While preparing a gantt chart, which things we should take care?

Question

In software developement project.. While preparing a gantt chart, which things we should take care?

Answer 1

A very vague question, kind of like "What is the meaning of life?".

Things that occur to me:

• Knowing what you will build
• the order in which things have to be build,
• resources required,
• when things have to be finished,
• who will have to check the build items,
• when are people and resources available.

Answer 2

If you have several tasks which are proving difficult to estimate then try to have them run in parallel. That way you reduce the overall risk should one or more of them overrun.

Answer 3

1. The WBS 100% rule (see this)
2. Where relevant, use abstract time units in the chart and scale to meet a fixed release date.
3. Don't overuse. Use it for what it's good for. For example, avoid showing too many dependencies: Draw out a separate dependency tree