What Is a Gantt Chart Template?

When it comes to project management, Gantt charts are one of the popular charts that are used by project managers. This type of chart provides you with a list of activities and the corresponding schedules for the execution and operation of a certain project.

Aside from its formal and professional usage, Gantt charts are also aesthetically appealing. You can freely customize the formatting details of the chart and select certain your favorite color schemes. Like other types of charts such as an organizational chart and a chore chart, you can also create your own Gantt chart through the use of MS Excel and other chart generating tools. To add, chart templates can show you the basic of components of Gantt charts.

What Are the Basic Elements of Gantt Charts?

The proponents of a project are the ones that set up the objectives and goals of a certain project. To achieve such goals, it is necessary that general tasks must be broken down into different sub-tasks in order to meet the established schedules and deadlines. This is where sample chart templates work their magic. To be specific, gantt charts are used in this kind of arrangement. The following are the basic elements of a gantt chart:

• List of tasks – The chart will be divided in different major tasks and their corresponding sub-tasks. Because of this arrangement, it will be convenient on the project manager’s end to track the progression of the projects.

• Schedules and time frames – Of course, the significant dates must be included in the chart. The dates are considered as a guide and constant reminder for project managers in ensuring that they can deliver and execute the tasks on time.

• Small arrows – The small arrows symbolize the dependencies in a gantt chart. It is inevitable that in a project certain tasks are inextricably interrelated with each other that the completion of one requires the prior performance of the other task. Furthermore, free chart templates provide additional and optional elements that you can input in your Gantt charts.

What Are the Advantages of Using Gantt Charts?

Gantt charts are frequently used because of their proven efficacy and efficiency. In connection to this, here are some advantages of using gantt charts:

• Increases the clarity of tasks delineation – Gantt chart templates provide project managers and their corresponding team members with a document that embodies the heart of the project. It would be easy for them to check and perform the tasks that are assigned or designated to them. Moreover, chart templates in Excel made it convenient and easy for project mangers to edit and modify the dynamics of their Gantt charts from time to time.

• Time management – Aside from the clear delegation of tasks, it also helps streamline the scheduling approaches and methodologies adopted by project managers. They help teams understand the positive effects of delivering and accomplishing their tasks promptly and on schedule.

• Increases team motivation and creativity. One of the most favored feature of Gantt charts is its ability to instill focus and concentration to the stakeholders that are involved in a project. Furthermore, chart templates in Word and Excel provide avenues for members and managers to channel their artistic side to spice up their project schedules.

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