← VCE Software Development U3O2

Constructing a Gantt chart for a project

A bar chart built by listing tasks, estimating durations, ordering them by dependency, then marking milestones and the critical path on a timeline.

Part of: VCE Software Development - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 21, VCE Data Analytics - U3O2 - Analysis and Design — Module 16

Understanding Constructing a Gantt chart for a project in VCE Software Development U3O2

What it does: Ordering tasks by dependency means each task records which task it waits for, so its bar starts after that task's bar ends. Milestones are placed on the timeline as markers with no duration to show a major checkpoint, such as approval of a prototype. You can't order tasks or find the critical path until you know what tasks exist. Start with the task list. The bar length shows how long the task takes. Dependencies decide where the bar starts, not how long it is. Dependent tasks are placed after their predecessors. This is how the chart shows the correct order of work.

Common mistakes: Task C depends on B, so B cannot also depend on C. That makes a circular dependency. B should come after A. The first step is to list every task. Bars cannot be drawn until the tasks, durations and dependencies are known.

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This module's key terms are also in a printable crossword (Modules 12–24) and word search (Modules 2–24).

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Learning
Duo
What is the first step when building a Gantt chart?
List all the tasks the project needsMark the critical path on the timeline
Matches
Task list: Testing (5 days), Coding (10 days). Chart order: Testing starts Day 1, Coding starts Day 6
↓
The tasks are ordered without considering dependencies. Testing is placed before Coding even though it depends on the code existing.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Gantt chart
Meaning
A bar chart built by listing tasks, estimating durations, ordering them by dependency, then marking milestones and the critical path on a timeline.
Practice
T1 Analyse needs | 3 days | start
Testing
Gaps
Task A: Analyse needs | : 3 days
Check Answer
Spots
1A: Plan, 3d, after none
2B: Design, 4d, after C

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Quick Questions

1. What is the first step when building a Gantt chart?
A. Mark the critical path on the timeline
B. List all the tasks the project needs ✓
You can't order tasks or find the critical path until you know what tasks exist. Start with the task list.
2. Which gives a task its bar length on a Gantt chart?
A. Its dependency on other tasks
B. Its estimated duration ✓
The bar length shows how long the task takes. Dependencies decide where the bar starts, not how long it is.
3. Task B can't start until Task A finishes. What is this called?
A. A dependency (A is a predecessor of B) ✓
B. A milestone
A dependency means one task relies on another. A milestone marks a key point or achievement in the project.
4. In a Gantt chart, how should a dependent task be drawn?
A. Starting after the task it depends on finishes ✓
B. Starting on the same day as every other task
Dependent tasks are placed after their predecessors. This is how the chart shows the correct order of work.
5. Which describes the critical path?
A. The longest chain of dependent tasks, which sets the minimum project time ✓
B. The shortest chain of tasks, which can be skipped if time runs short
A delay to any task on the critical path delays the whole project. The path is the longest dependent sequence.

Match the Pairs

Task: Build login screen | Duration: 3 days | Depends on: Design mock-up → A task list entry that gives the task a name, an estimated duration and the earlier task it depends on, ready to be turned into a bar on the Gantt chart
Critical path: A -> C -> E (12 days) → The longest chain of dependent tasks on the chart, marked to show which tasks cannot be delayed without delaying the whole project
Adding a dependency: Task C cannot start until Task B has finished (finish-to-start) → Task C | Start: after Task B ends | Depends on: B
Marking a milestone: a zero-duration point showing a key deliverable is complete → Milestone: Prototype approved | Duration: 0 days | Date: Day 15
Task list: Testing (5 days), Coding (10 days). Chart order: Testing starts Day 1, Coding starts Day 6 → The tasks are ordered without considering dependencies. Testing is placed before Coding even though it depends on the code existing.
Critical path = the task with the shortest duration on the chart → The critical path is the longest sequence of dependent tasks, not the shortest task. Tasks with float are not on it.

Key Term

Gantt chart
A bar chart built by listing tasks, estimating durations, ordering them by dependency, then marking milestones and the critical path on a timeline.

Fill in the Blanks

1. Task A: Analyse needs | Duration: 3 days
Hint: Type the field name that records the estimated time a task will take.
2. A: Analyse needs (3 days) B: Design screens (2 days) B depends on A: start B after A ends
Hint: Type the phrase for a task that cannot begin until another task finishes.
3. Milestone: Design signed off, 0 days
Hint: Type the term for a key checkpoint marker shown on a Gantt chart.
4. Critical path = longest chain of tasks
Hint: Type the word describing which chain of dependent tasks, by total duration, is the critical path.
5. Path A-B-D: 3 + 2 + 4 = 9 days Path A-C-D: 3 + 1 + 4 = 8 days Critical path: A, B, D
Hint: Type the task letter that sits on the longer path and completes the critical path.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A A: Plan, 3d, after none
B B: Design, 4d, after C
C C: Build, 6d, after B
Line B — Task C depends on B, so B cannot also depend on C. That makes a circular dependency. B should come after A.
Question 2
A Step 1: Draw the bars
B Step 2: Estimate durations
C Step 3: Order by dependency
D Step 4: Mark the critical path
Line A — The first step is to list every task. Bars cannot be drawn until the tasks, durations and dependencies are known.
Question 3
A A: Plan, 2d, after none
B B: Code, 5d, after A
C B starts on day 2
D B ends on day 7
Line C — A runs on days 1 and 2 and B depends on A. B must start on day 3, which also makes it end on day 7.
Question 4
A A 2d, B 3d (after A)
B C 1d (after A)
C D 2d (after B and C)
D Critical path: A, C, D
Line B — A, C, D is the longest path only if C takes 5d (9 days in total). With 1d, path A, B, D would be critical.
Question 5
A Milestone: Prototype approved
B Shape: diamond
C Placed: end of Design phase
D Duration: 5d
Line D — A milestone marks a point in time, not work. It has a duration of 0d.

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