Planning Tools
GANTT Chart
Software
Advantages
Disadvantages
Can become very complex
The bars show time available, not the amount of work being able to be done.
Must be continuously updated.
Visually illustrates the ideas as a picture
Divides Big tasks into smaller manageable tasks
Can indicate Milestones which are identified in the KEY. usually green and after major tasks have been completed
Excel or Google Sheets
Helps set realistic Timings for SMART
Concurrent Tasks can be shown where there are tasks occurring also while others are being completed.
PERT Chart
Software
Google Drawings
Google Slides
DeskTopPublisher
Advantages
Can identify Critical Path identified normally by a red line. and workflow
Can Identify critical Path and workflow
Can Identify Time denoted above the lines of workflow
Dependent Tasks can be identified
Dependent Tasks can be identified
Concurrent Tasks can be shown where there are other tasks occurring also while others are being completed. Similar in vertical arrangement.
Disadvantages
Time estimates are usually unreliable and hence useless
Doesn't show costs, just Timing and the deadline
Structure of a PERT chart makes it difficult to modify because you need to split the chart into two.
Visualisation Diagram
Software
Google Drawing
DTP (DeskTopPublisher)
Advantages
Disadvantages
Very intuitive and understandable for novices
Shows the big picture without/few clear details
Good/understandable for creative people
Doesn't show workflow or
order of tasks or critical path
Can be easily misunderstood
People who think logically may find it difficult to understand
Flowchart
Software
Project Management Software with Shapes
to be improved on upon request