Gantt charts and project scheduling in Software Engineering - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Gantt chart?

A Gantt chart is a visual tool that shows a project schedule. It displays tasks as horizontal bars along a timeline, helping to track progress and deadlines.

beginner

How does a Gantt chart help in project scheduling?

It helps by showing when tasks start and end, their duration, and how tasks overlap or depend on each other, making it easier to plan and manage time.

intermediate

What is a task dependency in project scheduling?

A task dependency means one task must finish or start before another can begin. Gantt charts often show these dependencies with arrows.

intermediate

Why is it important to update a Gantt chart regularly?

Updating keeps the schedule accurate, shows real progress, helps spot delays early, and allows adjustments to keep the project on track.

beginner

Name two benefits of using Gantt charts in managing projects.

1. Clear visualization of the project timeline and task progress. 2. Easy identification of task overlaps and dependencies to avoid conflicts.

What does each horizontal bar in a Gantt chart represent?

A A task's duration

B A team member

C Project budget

D Risk level

Each horizontal bar shows how long a task will take or has taken.

Which of the following is a key feature of project scheduling?

A Task dependencies

B Color coding

C Employee salaries

D Office location

Task dependencies show how tasks relate and affect each other in timing.

Why should a project manager update the Gantt chart regularly?

A To increase the project budget

B To keep track of progress and adjust plans

C To change team members

D To reduce task durations automatically

Regular updates help monitor progress and make necessary changes.

What does a dependency arrow in a Gantt chart indicate?

A Task is optional

B Task is complete

C One task depends on another

D Task is delayed

Dependency arrows show that one task must happen before another.

Which of these is NOT typically shown in a Gantt chart?

A Task dependencies

B Task duration

C Task start and end dates

D Team member photos

Gantt charts focus on scheduling, not personal details like photos.

Explain how a Gantt chart helps in managing a project schedule.

Think about how seeing tasks on a timeline helps plan and adjust work.

Describe what task dependencies are and why they matter in project scheduling.

Consider how some tasks must wait for others to finish.