Management

Assignment Content
As a learning team, discuss:
Differentiating between a work breakdown structure and a Gantt chart. The benefits and challenges with a work breakdown structure. The advantages and disadvantages of Gantt charts.

Write a 175- to 350-word summary of your discussion.
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed, scholarly, or similar reference.
Format your assignment according to APA guidelines.

ANSWER

Gantt Chart Vs WBS

The primary difference between the Gantt chart and the Work Breakdown Structure is their scope. Meaning the WBS comprises only a smaller section of a project while the Gantt incorporates schedules for all parts of a project (Geraldi, and Lechter,2012). The other dissimilarity is their approach to the costing process. Apart from the segmentation of a project, the main focus of a WBS is the costs associated with the implementation of each phase of the (Cicmil, Lindgren, and Packendorff, 2016). Conversely, the Gantt chart primarily focuses on the schedules, by ensuring that each part of a project is completed no matter the cost.

The main benefit of a WBS is that it organizes and defines the required work. It also enhances the process of schedule development by ensuring by assigning effort estimates to particular sections of the Work-Based Schedules (Cicmil, Lindgren, and Packendorff, 2016). It can also help the project developers identify project risks. Lastly, the WBS act as main tool for visualizing the entire project scope. The leading challenge of a WBS is the complexity of the required details. Inadequate details can lead to a lack of project definition. Conversely, too many details can make the project bureaucratic.

The primary advantage of a Gantt chart is that it is easy to understand. It also explicitly clarifies the dates, enhances time management, efficiency, and ensures accountability. It also aids the coordination among the project managers and other stakeholders. However, a Gantt chart is equally too complex, making its management difficult (Geraldi, and Lechter,2012). The updating of the chart can also be time-consuming, leading to potential project delivery delays. It also shows only the time, without specifying the number of hours taken to complete the tasks.

References

Cicmil, S., Lindgren, M., & Packendorff, J. (2016). The project (management) discourse and its consequences: on vulnerability and unsustainability in project‐based work. New Technology, Work and Employment, 31(1), 58-76.

Geraldi, J., & Lechter, T. (2012). Gantt charts revisited: A critical analysis of its roots and implications to the management of projects today. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business.