how to create simple Gantt charts

[cLo]

Looking for a step-by-step on how to create simple Gantt charts, as I am new
to MS Project. Thanks.

 

[davegb]

Looking for a step-by-step on how to create simple Gantt charts, as I am new
to MS Project. Thanks.

Depends on what you mean by "simple". Like in most disciplines,
"simple" can get very complicated, and still be relatively simple
compared to the really complex solutions.

If you just want bars under a timeline, it's really simple. Just enter
your list of tasks and the dates on which you want to start and
finish each task. Voila! Instant Gantt Chart.

This works pretty well if you do projects where nothing ever changes,
nothing unexpected ever happens. If you work at Disney World, that
might be the case. The problem is, it's a rigid schedule and if any
on the tasks is delayed or takes longer than you originally planned,
you have to modify the entire schedule to reflect that change. Every
time a change occurs. How difficult this is depends on how many tasks
you have and how complex the interdependencies. If you have 50 or less
tasks and they mostly occur one after another, like a chain, this is
not so bad. OTOH, if you have many tasks with complex
interconnections, it quickly becomes a nightmare and not worth doing.

If you want an "automated" schedule which changes appropriately every
time something changes, you need to enter the tasks, their expected
durations, and then link them all together. This takes more time at
the beginning, but pays off big time as the project progresses and, of
course, changes. This sounds simple, but gets more complicated pretty
quickly, as you can see by many of the questions in this NG.

My suggestion would be to do the lattter, and list the tasks, estimate
durations, and start linking them all. If you Google this NG for
"Schedule Continuity", you'll find some good advice on exactly how to
do the linking and avoid many common errors. If you google for
Critical Path Method scheduling, you'll find still more about how this
software is really intended to work. A little research will pay huge
dividends in both time saving and frustration. Project plays by a set
of rules, the aforementioned CPM, and without any knowledge of these
rules, you'll find it daunting at best. All depends on what you want
and how willing you are to get real with what is required to do a
meaningful schedule.

Hope this helps in your world.

 

[JulieS]

Hi cLo,

In addition to Dave's advice, you may want to take a look at the excellent
series of tutorials written by fellow MVP, Mike Glen, at:

http://project.mvps.org/mike's_tutorials.htm

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP