Purpose: This Units Assignment Will Introduce You To Various

Purposethis Units Assignment Will Introduce You To Various Software P

This week's Assignment includes preparing a Gantt Chart: you will create a Gantt chart for a chosen scenario using MS Project. Microsoft Project, then make sure you have the software loaded and ready to use. Please review the Assignment Rubric and follow all the instructions carefully. Choose just one of the scenarios above to use for either choices. Assume that you have a team of 3–5 people to help you complete the project.

Do not use outside sources for this Assignment; this is to be developed from your understanding of the scenarios. Develop a Gantt Chart using Microsoft Project for your given scenario and submit to your Unit 3 Assignment Dropbox the completed MS Project file following the Directions for Submitting Your Assignment.

The chart should show at least 12 tasks and subtasks with reasonable durations. The project may extend many days, weeks, or months depending on what you need to do for your client, but indicate the first day of the project as the first day of this unit. The chart should display the total duration of the complete project on the first line. The Duration, Start, and Finish dates should be appropriate for all tasks.

Tasks must be orderly established (e.g., requirements before testing). Predecessors and successors (dependencies) should be established, with tasks properly linked in the timetable. The chart must include a minimum of three milestones and list the names of resources (job roles) on the timetable. Tasks should not show overallocation of resources.

Recurrent activities should be included. The chart should display dates under the Baseline Plan and Current Plan columns for each task. Use formulas for assigning dates to tasks, and apply conditional formatting as appropriate.

Paper For Above instruction

Creating an effective Gantt chart in Microsoft Project is fundamental for project planning and management, especially when working with complex scenarios requiring detailed scheduling, resource allocation, and dependency mapping. For this assignment, selecting one of the provided scenarios—such as developing a website for Morris Wildlife Services—is crucial, as it guides the scope and detailed activities mapped out in the project plan.

The first step involves breaking down the project into at least 12 tasks and subtasks, with each task representing a distinct phase or activity necessary for project completion. For instance, in building a website, initial tasks could include gathering requirements, designing the website structure, developing content, coding, testing, and deployment. Subtasks might involve collecting existing content from brochures, conducting new research, creating wireframes, obtaining client feedback, and final testing.

Reasonable durations must be assigned to each task, considering logical sequencing—requirements should precede design, which should precede development, and so forth. These relationships are established through setting dependencies (predecessors and successors) in MS Project, which automatically manages task sequencing. For example, coding cannot commence until the design is approved, making coding dependent on the completion of design.

Resources are mapped to each task based on their roles—such as project manager, web developer, content specialist, or graphic designer—and listed under the Primary Responsibility column. Proper assignment prevents overallocation, ensuring team members are not scheduled beyond their capacity. For recurrent activities like feedback sessions or testing cycles, repeating tasks should be included with appropriate durations.

Milestones mark significant achievements, such as completing the website design or launching the site. Including at least three milestones ensures clear progress landmarks. The total project duration is indicated on the first line of the Gantt chart—this provides an overview of the complete scope and timeline from start to finish.

MS Project formulas are used to automatically assign dates based on dependencies, supporting dynamic schedule adjustments. Conditional formatting highlights critical data points—such as overdue tasks or resource overallocation—enhancing visual management of the project schedule.

Finally, after developing the chart with baseline and current plan comparisons, the completed MS Project file should be submitted. Properly linking tasks, marking milestones, and assigning resources ensure the Gantt chart effectively communicates the project plan, facilitates tracking, and supports successful project execution.

References

• Kerzner, H. (2017). Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling. Wiley.
• Harrison, F., & Lock, D. (2017). Advanced Project Management: A Structured Course with Exercises 3rd Edition. Gower Publishing.
• Larson, E. W., & Gray, C. F. (2018). Project Management: The Managerial Process. McGraw-Hill Education.
• Project Management Institute. (2021). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) — Seventh Edition. PMI.
• Knoll, T. (2015). Microsoft Project 2016 Step by Step. Microsoft Press.
• Schwalbe, K. (2018). Information Technology Project Management. Cengage Learning.
• Rao, V. (2016). Effective Project Management with Visual Basic. Springer.
• Heagney, J. (2016). Fundamentals of Project Management. AMACOM.
• Wysocki, R. K. (2014). Effective Program Management: Key Considerations for Success. Wiley.
• Gido, J., & Clements, J. (2018). Successful Project Management. Cengage Learning.