Gantt

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. It shows the start and finish dates of the various elements of a project, with horizontal bars representing work tasks over time. The length of each bar corresponds to the task duration, and its position on the vertical axis identifies the task. Progress can be indicated by shading or patterns within a bar. Common features include milestones, dependencies between tasks, and a baseline against which actual progress can be compared.

Origin and naming: The chart is named after Henry L. Gantt, an American engineer and management consultant who popularized the method in the 1910s as a tool to improve planning and coordination in manufacturing and construction. The concept predates and complements later techniques such as the critical path method (CPM) and PERT.

Applications and usage: Gantt charts are used across industries to plan, communicate, and monitor project timelines. They are particularly useful for teams that require a simple, visual overview of task timing and sequencing, progress tracking, and deadline management. They are widely supported by project management software, spreadsheets, and specialized tools.

Limitations and considerations: Gantt charts can become unwieldy for large or highly interdependent projects. They do not inherently show resource availability or task criticality unless combined with other methods; keeping charts up to date requires discipline. In modern practice, they are often used in conjunction with resource management, critical path analysis, and other planning techniques.