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Network-based Approach and Gantt Chart
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Date:
What are the main advantages of using a network-based approach to project management
rather than a Gantt chart?
A network-based approach is basically a flow chart of project tasks. The format serves as
the foundational technique for various analytical techniques where a network is created through
evaluating predecessor and successor relationships and then connecting the tasks based on those
relationships (Phil Baguley. 2008). The technique therefore creates focus on handoffs. When
there is uncertainty in tasks duration, the network-based diagram is usually the better technique
to apply than Gantt chart. This is because the network-based approach shifts focus of the
uncertain tasks from end dates and arbitrary start to completion of work and handoff to the next
activity or task.
Under the Gantt chart, when the task duration estimates are inaccurate maybe because
of uncertainty in amount of work or uncertainty in resource availability Gantt chart proves to
be unreliable and counterproductive scheduling tool. The network-based approach is appropriate
to use in such a situation as it give comprehensive results. The network-based approach is also
essential to use in complex projects with many individuals or organizations involved as the
technique provides guidance as to who the internal customer is for each task (Phil Baguley.
2008). Gantt chart may be inaccurate especially on complex projects with many people or
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organizations involved. Gantt charts in some cases convey relatively little information in terms
of per unit area of display. Network-based technique can communicate effectively more complex
projects that Gantt charts. Therefore, in this regard, the network-based technique is usually
viewed as the foundational technique as most of advanced analytical scheduling tools rely on
network diagram.
Under what circumstances might a Gantt chart be preferable to a network-based
approach?
The Gantt chart is normally used in small projects that can fit on a single screen or sheet.
It becomes unreliable for projects with more than 30 projects or so. This depicts that large Gantt
charts are not suitable to use for most computer displays. Gantt chart is appropriate to use for
representing activities and phases of a projects work breakdown structure (Harold Kerzner.
2001). This is essential as it makes such tasks be easily understood by a wider audience. The
Gantt chart shows the start and finish time and date of summary elements and terminal elements
of a particular project.
Gantt charts are also appropriate to use in small projects with not many activities. They
are reliable for such tasks than network-based approach which is mostly used for complex and
larger activities. Gantt charts are also used where current schedule status is required to be shown
by use of percent-complete shading as well as a vertical line. This is adequate in network-based
technique. Generally, the Gantt chart utilizes the best schedule format to use of projects as the
format is the best in tracking progress and activity for tasks after they have been scheduled
(Harold Kerzner. 2001). The format clearly displays whether a task or activity should be
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completed, underway, or is pending at any given time. Its used for daily or weekly tracking of
the progress of a project.
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References
Phil Baguley. (2008) Project Management [New York]: McGraw-Hill.
Harold Kerzner. (2001) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling,
and Controlling New York: John Wiley.