Mobile App Part 2 (Grantt and PERT Charts)

CIS 348

Assignment 5: Mobile App Part 2 (Grantt and PERT Charts)

Assignment 5: Mobile App Part 2

Introduction

In this paper I will compare and contrast the information that one receives from a Gantt chart, versus that of a PERT diagram. I will Examine the advantages of using a Gantt chart over a PERT chart and vice versa. Determine when it is appropriate to use one over the other. I will explain the importance of the critical path in project management. Finally, I will include visual representations of the Gantt and PERT charts that I have created based on the provided criteria and comment on the status of the mobile application development project.

Gantt charts will give the Project Manager the information in the form of a bar chart. This provides staff with a visualization of the completion percentage for each task. Although this information is useful and easy to read and good for smaller projects, it is very basic and does not show the sequential order of tasks or the link between tasks that a PERT chart offers. Gantt charts are however, effective in assessing a project’s status.

PERT chart’s won’t depict percentages however, they provide more detail such as the dependencies tasks have with one another which is better for larger projects. PERT chart’s also provide a more realistic time line of a project and when it should be finished. This is accomplished by breaking the chart into three categories which are optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic. The project manager can than take an average of each task, it’s dependencies and make a prediction to the projects completion timeline. The downside to using a PERT chart is that depending on the project, they can get rather complex and confusing.

Per the PMBOK, the critical path is defined as “the sequence of schedule activities that determines the duration of the project.” In more simple terms, the critical path is when you take all of your critical tasks, their duration and from there you can determine your project end date. It is important to keep in mind that there are factors that can affect the critical path end date. For example, if one task goes three days past it’s deadline, then your project will need to be extended by three days. Identifying the critical path early to get your project end date is important for the PM so he can ensure the project stays on track. Any deviation will affect the project end date which will more than likely incur more cost.

In conclusion, charts are a very useful tool for program managers. They provide the visual on how a project should progress throughout it’s lifecycle. While PM’s on some smaller projects can utilize Gantt charts, some larger projects require more detail where a PERT chart would be ideal. In order to develop an accurate PERT chart, it is important that the PM understand the critical path. This will give the PM the information he needs to compose his or her desired chart.

Example Gantt Chart:

Example PERT Chart

References

Eric Bank. “Difference Between Gantt Charts & Pert Charts.” Retrieved from

http://www.ehow.com/facts_4844081_between-gantt-charts-pert-charts.html

Shivshanker Shenoy. “How to Calculate Critical Path, Float, Early Start & Late Start,

and Early & Late Finish.” Retrieved from http://www.pmexamsmartnotes.com/

how-to-calculate-critical-path-float-and-early-and-late-starts-and-finishes/

Ronda Bowen (May, 2011). “Gantt Chart Template.” Retrieved from

http://www.brighthubpm.com/project-planning/53691-common-project-

management-charts/