Select the Chart and Go to Insert Stacked Bar Chart

In keeping in line with the analysis steps at the start of chapter, I am going to list out all the tasks that need to be completed along with three time estimates. (I decided to focus on the time aspect of the project using PERT/CPM rather than the cost using PERT/Cost.) The times estimates are in weeks.

Predecess Tasks optimistic average pessimistic or A – Create plan for programming 2 3 4 interface B – Complete programming 4 6 12 A C – Document changes 1 2 4 A D – Test the results 1 2 3 B E – Rollout to customer 2 4 6 B The Gantt chart can be created in Excel. You can simply create a chart with the start and end times. Here is the one I used:

Tasks Start End E – Rollout to customer 11 15 D – Test the results 9 11 C - Document changes 3 5 B – Complete programming 3 9 A – Create plan for programming interface 0 3

Select the chart and go to Insert – Stacked Bar Chart.

The next step is to compose your answers to the questions below. (You can see my attached file for some of these answers too).

 What is the overall timeline for this project? It looks like my project would finish in about 26 weeks.

 What activities are critical for established timeline of the project? The critical activities are those on the critical path. From the Gantt chart you can see the ones in red are A, B, D, and E (creating a plan, programming, testing, and rollout.)

 What activities have flexibility in completion that would not impact the overall project timeline? Those that are flexible are those that have slack time, C (documenting changes).

 What time, resources and money might be affected by any changes to activities throughout the project? If the customer was unavailable to test or the person that was assigned to program the changes was slow in their task, it could postpone the whole project, which costs money!

 What recommendations would you suggest to prioritize the company’s time, resources and money with regards to the project? This is a good one to think about and I look forward to hearing your thoughts in your reflective essay!

Using all of this will give you the necessary information to compose your essay!