1. Chapter 17 Project Tracking

2. Objectives Identify, develop, and use project management tools to track project progress: Schedules Gantt Charts Toll Gate Reviews

3. Project Tracking At specified points progress of the team should be evaluated. Typical criteria are: 1. Time oriented (are we on schedule?). 2. Object oriented (are we meeting our goals?). 3. Monetary (are we on budget?).

4. Project network diagram A project network diagram shows predecessor and successor relationships (fig 17.1, page 76). The number below each activity indicates the number of days required for the activity. The number below the line in each activity shows the start and finish times. Slack time = Latest start time – Earliest start time

5. Project evaluation and review technique (PERT) and critical path method (CPM) PERT and CPM have essentially merged in current software packages. A critical path is the path from start to finish that requires the most time. Software packages are available to identify and calculate critical paths. If activities on the critical path are delayed, the entire project will be delayed.

6. Gantt Chart The information from a PERT/CPM chart can be used to construct a Gantt chart (fig 17.2, page 77). The Gantt chart is easy to understand and shows essential data. The Gantt chart is useful for tracking and evaluating projects.

7. Storyboards A common application of storyboards is before and after pictures for a project. This is appropriate for facility redesign projects. Storyboards for Six Sigma projects are often formatted into five sections corresponding to DMIAC (define, measure, analyze, improve, and control) with charts, figures and documents illustrating the activities in each area.

8. Summary At specified points progress of the team should be evaluated. A project network diagram shows predecessor and successor relationships. A critical path is the path from start to finish that requires the most time. The Gantt chart is useful for tracking and evaluating projects. A common application of storyboards is before and after pictures for a project.

9. Home Work 1. What are the 3 typical evaluation criteria? 2. What does a project network diagram show? 3. What is a critical path? 4. What is a Gantt chart useful for? 5. Where is storyboard helpful?