Introduction
This paper is divided into part one and two, and elaborates on an Ansari X Prize Cup-Gauchito Rocket Project. Part one will produce a duration estimation using Excel based on Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Part two is precedence on the developed Gauchito rocket assembly project estimate whereby a network diagram is developed based on primary tasks and a Gantt (Bar) scheduled chart.
The Ansari X Prize Cup-Gauchito Rocket project-schedule constitutes time-base as well as a sequential analysis of various activities involved in the project. It is ordinary for project-leaders to be confronted with time-element in a triple-constraint manner through schedules, scopes, as well as resources and budgets. Several techniques for the display of project-schedules as well as an analysis of project-schedules have been identified by Kelvin (2009). Based on stipulated objectives for the project as well as major-risks considered, various techniques could be adopted by a project-leader. Familiar display-techniques of schedules include Milestone-Chart, Task-List, Gantt-Chart, Network-Diagram, Two-Dimensional-Task-List and Calendar-View. The Gantt-Chart and the Network-Diagram which have been identified in the question may be explained as follow:
- Gantt-Chart (Bar Chart): this is known to nearly be the most frequently used format for project scheduling. It provides a fantastic format for arresting the progressiveness and task-activities in instances whereby such are scheduled. It has been noted that:
‘In the Gantt chart, every task is represented by a bar of a time line chart’ (Ape, 2005).
The bar’s left-edge is positioned at the task-duration with respect to the start plan as well as the bar’s right-edge which is positioned about the planned-ending of tasks. With the unfolding of the project, the bars’ edges are over and over again up graded for the reflection of the task-start and task-end times. The formats generates tracking-progress focus due to the fact of it clarity for seeing the possibility of underway, completion, as well as hanging at articulately defined times. Thus, the usage of Gantt chart could be identified with daily or weekly project-progress tracking. The usage of the Gantt chart is facilitated by the ease to which it can be used or maintained. Studies have identified that the Gantt chart has assumed a high degree of acceptance in terms of scheduling projects based on the fact that it is simple and generates focused tracking of projects. In case task-estimates are comparatively determinable, the Gantt chart could by far by a choice format. - Network Diagram: this is basically a project-task flowchart with a foundation-technique for used frequently in resolving analysis based techniques. It is noted that:
‘The network is created by determining predecessor and successor relationships and connecting the tasks based upon those relationships’ (Huge, 2010).
Basically, the techniques would generate handoff-focuses. Regarding complicated projects which are made use of in organizations with several involved individuals, the technique could produce a direction regarding internal-tasked customers. Thus, on a general note, the technique is considered instrumental because several advanced-analytical-schedule devices begin with Network Diagrams. During times when task-durations are unpredictable, Network-Diagrams would provide enhanced techniques for usage of Gantt chart. The Network-Diagram shafts-away focuses relating unpredictable arbitrary-start tasks and terminate work-completion-dates as well as next-task handoffs. To realize Duration Estimate, a Dazzling Estimate page is generated through the addition of blocked input-data on the data-sheet. Now, an Excel LOOKUP function would be generated and will enable assess to multi-columned. In any case, prior to the usage of the LOOKUP, there is sorting of the information to emphasize appropriateness of gathered data. Below is a presentation of an Excelled Duration-Duration estimate.
The Network Diagram developed from the Gauchito rocket assembly project duration estimate is as shown below:
Reference List
Ape, H. (2005). Sharing: Sharing your doc with specific people. Makurdi: Aboki Publishers.
Huge, D. (2010). Technical Communication. Ibadan: University Press.
Kelvin, C. (2009). Using Excel to Build a Quoting System. Washington DC: Lasvola.