Question

The function of Gantt charts in project management is

• A. Resource allocation
• B. Time scheduling
• C. Cost estimation
• D. Quality control

Hint:

\textbf{Gantt Chart:} A bar chart used for project scheduling.
\textbf{Key functions:}
Visualizes project tasks against a timeline.
Shows task start dates, end dates, and durations.
Can illustrate task dependencies.
Helps in tracking project progress.
Its primary purpose is \textbf{time scheduling} and project timeline management.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. It is a popular project management tool for planning and tracking project progress. Key features and functions of Gantt charts:
Visualizing Tasks and Durations: Lists project tasks or activities on the vertical axis and time intervals on the horizontal axis. Each task is represented by a horizontal bar whose length corresponds to the duration of the task.
Showing Start and End Dates: The position of each bar shows the start and end dates of tasks.
Illustrating Task Dependencies (Optional): Arrows or links can be used to show dependencies between tasks (e.g., Task B cannot start until Task A is finished).
Tracking Progress: The chart can be updated to show the percentage of completion for each task, comparing actual progress against the planned schedule.
Resource Scheduling (Indirectly): While the primary focus is time, Gantt charts can be used in conjunction with resource planning to show who is assigned to tasks or when resources are needed, but resource allocation itself is a separate function often managed by other tools or extensions. The primary function of a Gantt chart is time scheduling and visualizing the project timeline. Let's evaluate the options:
(a) Resource allocation: Gantt charts show tasks over time. While you can assign resources to tasks shown on a Gantt chart, the chart itself doesn't perform the allocation; it visualizes the schedule into which resources are allocated. Resource leveling or allocation is a distinct planning activity.
(b) Time scheduling: This is the core function. Gantt charts provide a clear visual representation of when tasks are scheduled to start and finish, their durations, and often their interdependencies, forming the project schedule.
(c) Cost estimation: Cost estimation is a separate process. While task durations from a Gantt chart might feed into cost calculations (e.g., labor costs based on time), the chart itself is not a cost estimation tool.
(d) Quality control: Quality control involves processes to ensure project deliverables meet quality standards. Gantt charts are for scheduling, not directly for quality control activities (though quality checks might be scheduled as tasks on a Gantt chart). Therefore, the primary function of Gantt charts is time scheduling. \[ \boxed{\text{Time scheduling}} \]