Major Questions in Project Management - Essay Example

When management carries out its duties effectively by attaining desired results, then that defines doing things the right way. On the other hand, when management does things efficiently, that is accomplishing set goals in the required way, then that is doing the right thing.

Setting measurable goals such as budgets and production levels gives the manager a chance to analyze reasons for missing certain goals. Reasonable and measurable goals help managers to expose reasons that result in the struggles of working staff. In addition, measurable goals help in preventing miscommunication among members of the organization. Without measurable goals, employees' morale decreases because staff members feel that they work without direction. It, therefore, is through setting up measurable goals that employees prove to their managers their worth and goals.

Every project goal has its critical dimensions. Three of these critical dimensions include the cost, scope, and schedule of the project in question. For any project, the manager must put into consideration the cost of materials that the entire project may require. Secondly, the required release date of the project makes it necessary for a manager to treat the schedule with significance (Sanzo et al., 2012). Finally, project managers also need to take care of the project scope. The project scope involves performance requirements and any other set features in the project goal.

The most common types of project manager’s charts are the PERT Chart and Gantt chart. Both PERT and Gantt charts help managers to plan their projects in a manner that enables the project team to visualize the project as a whole or in part (Bowen, 2014). However, PERT and Gantt display varied contrasts. Gantt charts describe tasks dependencies, onset, and ending times for project tasks while PERT charts describe sequential and parallel activities. Gantt charts mainly depict simple related tasks whereas PERT charts focus on more complex projects and their relationship.

Charts have various benefits because they enable managers to visualize project tasks and schedule dependencies besides visual representation of every item action as well as a milestone. Charts motivate, and they are clear and provide efficient communication. Further, charts also help in time management during project implementation.

However, charts also have numerous various limitations besides their benefits. Gantt charts are resistant to change despite the changes that occur over time in projects. It forces managers to keep updating the charts hence becoming tiresome and inflexible. Charts may also fail to give more details where complex projects are involved, thus limiting the information necessary for the project. Charts may also lead to over-reliance by managers. However, managers should use it alongside other tools such as costs.

Preparing Microsoft excel using Gantt charts. Using excel provides good conditions to manage project plans because it has a grid. When preparing and carrying out a project in excel, using Gantt charts the project is useful because it remains easy and productive to undertake.