GANTT Chart Example

GANTT Chart Example

Problem Statement

The following tasks, predecessors and durations are shown in the table below. Use this information to create your project plan, estimate the project completion date and identify the critical path.

Task

Description

Duration

Predecessors

A

User requirements

6

 

B

Module A

4

A

C

Module B

6

A

D

Documentation

8

A

E

Integration

4

B,C

F

Test Cases

8

D

G

Testing

4

E,F

 How to perform analysis

Step 1: Open Sigma Magic
  1. Click on the Sigma Magic button on the Excel toolbar.
  2. Click on the New button to create a new project.
Step 2: Add the analysis template
  1. Click on the Tool Wizard to add the analysis template.
  2. Click on Project and then GANTT Chart.


Step 3: Specify analysis options
A new worksheet will be added to your workbook. Analysis Setup will be automatically opened, in the setup tab specify the following details.



Click on the Display and specify the following options



Click on the Calender and schedule the days



Step 4: Enter the Worksheet data
Click on Create button to save all changes and compute the outputs for this analysis.On the worksheet, enter the following details. A sample worksheet is given below:



Step 5: Generate analysis results
Finally, click Analysis Setup and then click on Verify tab to ensure all the inputs are okay and shown in a green checkmark.


Interpretating Results

1. Project Overview: The Gantt chart visualizes a project with several tasks related to "Accessibility: Investigate". It appears to be in the initial planning or early execution phase, as most tasks are either scheduled or in progress but not yet completed.

2. Task Dependencies: The "Pred" column indicates task dependencies. For example, "Task 2" depends on "Task 1" finishing (indicated by "1"). This shows a sequential workflow where certain tasks must be completed before others can begin.

3. Task Duration and Scheduling: The chart displays the start and end dates/durations of each task visually with bars. We can see the planned timeline for each task and their progression over time. Longer bars indicate longer durations.

4. Progress Tracking: The highlighted portions within the bars (especially for Task 2 and 5) indicate the percentage of completion. This allows for quick assessment of whether tasks are on schedule or behind. Task 2 and 5 are in progress, but Task 5 seems more advanced.

5. Resource Allocation: The "Owner" column assigns each task to a specific individual or team. This helps in understanding responsibilities and managing workload distribution.

6. Potential Bottlenecks: The dependency chain suggests potential bottlenecks. Delays in earlier tasks (like Task 1) can impact all subsequent tasks. Monitoring the progress of these critical path tasks is essential for keeping the project on track.

Overall Interpretation: The Gantt chart provides a clear overview of the "Accessibility: Investigate" project. It facilitates tracking progress, managing dependencies, and ensuring timely completion of tasks. The project seems to be in progress with some tasks underway, but it's crucial to monitor Task 1 and its related dependencies to prevent delays.


    • Related Articles

    • GANTT Chart Overview

      A GANTT Chart is a project management tool that visually represents tasks, timelines, and dependencies in a bar chart format. It helps in planning, tracking, and managing projects efficiently. Key Features of a Gantt Chart: Tasks and Activities: ...

    • GANTT chart frequently asked questions

      What is a Gantt Chart in Sigma Magic? A Gantt Chart in Sigma Magic is a visual project management tool that displays tasks against time. It helps track project progress, deadlines, and dependencies. How do you create a Gantt Chart in Sigma Magic? To ...

    • Bar chart frequently asked questions

      What is a bar chart? A bar chart is a graphical representation of data where individual bars represent different categories or groups. The length or height of each bar is proportional to the value or frequency of the category it represents. When ...

    • Pareto chart frequently asked questions

      What is a Pareto chart? A Pareto chart is a type of bar chart that displays data in descending order of frequency or size, often combined with a line graph that shows the cumulative total. It’s used to highlight the most important factors in a ...

    • Pie chart frequently asked questions

      What is a pie chart? A pie chart is a circular chart divided into slices to illustrate numerical proportions. Each slice represents a category’s contribution to the whole, with the size of each slice proportional to the value it represents. When ...