1. I want to plan a project
by developing a project schedule
Gantt Chart

2. What is it and why should I use it?
A Gantt Chart is a graphic tool that shows the start and end of tasks/activities and of the project.
It uses and reflects the other planning tools and processes – WBS, Network Diagram and Critical Path.
It maps your network diagram onto a calendar and reflects the project schedule.
The goal is to have a realistic project schedule.

3. Think about the following:
Which issues and circumstances delay your schedules?
What can you do to make them more realistic?

4. What can you do to make schedules more realistic?
Plan them together with others
Remember what went wrong/changed last time
Consult with others
Use scheduling tools – such as Gantt Charts
Which issues and circumstances delay your schedules?
Holidays
Recruitment
Staff being sick
Logistics (lead in times)
Elections
Unstable environments
Rainy season
Maternity leave
Things you forgot to plan

5. This is a simple example of a Gantt Chart
Check they all know what a Gantt chart is and what it looks like.
If not you can quickly explain on a piece of flipchart paper.
Gantt charts provide a standard format for displaying all of the project activities, taken from the network diagram and show start and end dates as well as dependencies.. There are some common rules in the use of Gantt charts: clear or open bars may represent planned work, whereas closed or shaded bars represent completed work – reflecting actual progress compared to planned progress. Some common terms used in Gantt charts are: milestones – markers that indicate completion, or partial completion, of products or services; and summary tasks – a series of combined sub task.

6. Gantt your project: Take your WBS, Network Diagram and Critical Path.
Map these onto a calendar.
Remember to make the schedule realistic!