UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
The employment of Gantt charts for project control is a critical aspect of project management.
14 pages

Abstract
This module, an extension of Module 7, provides additional information and diagrams on the use of Gantt charts for project control. The Gantt chart is suggested for project control, particularly for supervising the advancement of the project and its presentation. The chart is not intended to be a complete control instrument, as it does not identify critical activities or indicate non-essential activities. The Gantt chart is designed to reveal six important aspects of the project at a glance. These aspects include the initial schedule of activities, indicating the start date, duration, and completion date of each activity; the interdependence of activities; changes to activities, indicating new start dates, durations, and completion dates; the actual time spent on an activity; the status of each activity; and the overall status of the project at the control date, compared to the original plans. To construct a Gantt chart, a graph is created for each activity, with three bars representing the initial schedule, changes to the schedule, and the actual time spent on the activity. The initial schedule bar is the lower bar, representing the original planned start date, duration, and completion date of each activity. The middle bar is reserved for changes to the schedule, indicating new start dates, durations, and completion dates. The upper bar represents the actual time spent on the activity, starting from the exact date when work on the activity began and ending at the date when the work was completed. The Gantt chart is a useful tool for project control, as it provides a visual representation of the project's progress and allows for easy identification of delays, changes, and other issues. By using the Gantt chart, project managers can track the progress of individual activities and the overall project, making it easier to make informed decisions and take corrective action when necessary. In addition to the Gantt chart, other tools and techniques can be used to support project control, such as critical path method (CPM) and program evaluation and review technique (PERT). These tools can help project managers to identify critical activities, estimate durations, and develop schedules that take into account the interdependence of activities. The use of Gantt charts and other project control tools requires careful planning, coordination, and communication among team members and stakeholders. By using these tools effectively, project managers can ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. The Gantt chart is a powerful tool for project control, and its use can be extended to other areas of project management, such as resource allocation, risk management, and quality control. By combining the Gantt chart with other project management tools and techniques, project managers can create a comprehensive project management plan that ensures the successful completion of projects. In conclusion, the employment of Gantt charts for project control is a critical aspect of project management. By using the Gantt chart and other project control tools, project managers can track the progress of individual activities and the overall project, making it easier to make informed decisions and take corrective action when necessary. The Gantt chart is a powerful tool for project control, and its use can be extended to other areas of project management, such as resource allocation, risk management, and quality control.
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USAID DEC