Gantt Charts
The Gantt chart, developed by Henry L. Gantt (1861-1919), is an effective tool for planning (Peterson, 1991). Gantt charts are particularly useful for assignments, collaborative projects, or extended tasks, as they offer a clear visual representation of timelines. They provide a structured approach to managing your academic workload, helping you to stay organised and on track. If you have estimated your time spent on each section of the project, like in the previous section, it can make it a lot easier to plan a Gantt chart. Activities are displayed as bars or strips on the chart, allowing you to quickly grasp the timeline and progress of tasks (Grit, 2021). By breaking tasks into manageable steps, the chart helps to prevent feelings of overwhelm, whilst ensuring steady progress and reducing the risk of procrastination. This visual format enables you to view all tasks, deadlines, and milestones in one place, making it easier to understand the scope of your work and the time required for each task. The chart’s simplicity is especially beneficial when managing overlapping responsibilities, such as handling multiple modules. The ability to see task relationships and how they fit together will prevent scheduling conflicts.
There is an example below to show you how you could use a Gannt chart to keep your learning on track. You can add as much, or as little, detail as you need for it to assist you in planning your time. You can make one digitally, or with a pencil and paper – the choice is yours.
This is an example Gantt Chart
Gantt charts allow you to track your work and adjust plans if necessary, ensuring that you continuously monitor progress to stay on course to meet your goals and deadlines (Haynes and Hunsley, 2021). This process promotes discipline, responsibility, and motivation, ultimately enhancing your academic performance and reducing stress. The chart also provides flexibility, as it can be updated to reflect changes in deadlines or priorities. This ensures that you can adjust your plans if unexpected challenges arise. Overall, Gantt charts allow you to remain proactive by monitoring progress, which will reduce the likelihood of overlooking key deadlines or tasks.
References
Grit, R. (2021) Project Management: A Practical Approach. London: Routledge.
Haynes, S. N. and Hunsley, J. D. (2021) Writing Dissertations and Theses in Psychology: A Students Guide for Success. Abingdon: Routledge.
Peterson, P. B. (1991) ‘The evolution of the Gantt chart and its relevance today’, Journal of Managerial Issues, 3(2), pp. 131-155.