Chapter 17

Project Tracking

Objectives

• Identify, develop, and use project management tools to track project progress:

• Schedules• Gantt Charts• Toll Gate Reviews

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?).

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?