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Surname:Network-based Approach and Gantt ChartProfessor:Date:What are the main advantages of using a network-based approach to project management rather than a Gantt chart?A network-based approach is basically a flow chart of project tasks. The format serves as the foundational technique for various analytical techniques where a network is created through evaluating predecessor and successor relationships and then connecting the tasks based on those relationships (Phil Baguley. 2008). The technique therefore creates focus on handoffs. When there is uncertainty in tasks duration, the network-based diagram is usually the better technique to apply than Gantt chart. This is because the network-based approach shifts focus of the uncertain tasks from end dates and arbitrary start to completion of work and handoff to the next activity or task. Under the Gantt chart, when the task duration estimates are inaccurate maybe because of uncertainty in amount of work or uncertainty in resource availability Gantt chart proves to be unreliable and counterproductive scheduling tool. The network-based approach is appropriate to use in such a situation as it give comprehensive results. The network-based approach is also essential to use in complex projects with many individuals or organizations involved as the technique provides guidance as to who the internal customer is for each task (Phil Baguley. 2008). Gantt chart may be inaccurate especially on complex projects with many people or organizations involved. Gantt charts in some cases convey relatively little information in terms of per unit area of display. Network-based technique can communicate effectively more complex projects that Gantt charts. Therefore, in this regard, the network-based technique is usually viewed as the foundational technique as most of advanced analytical scheduling tools rely on network diagram. Under what circumstances might a Gantt chart be preferable to a network-based approach?The Gantt chart is normally used in small projects that can fit on a single screen or sheet. It becomes unreliable for projects with more than 30 projects or so. This depicts that large Gantt charts are not suitable to use for most computer displays. Gantt chart is appropriate to use for representing activities and phases of a projects work breakdown structure (Harold Kerzner. 2001). This is essential as it makes such tasks be easily understood by a wider audience. The Gantt chart shows the start and finish time and date of summary elements and terminal elements of a particular project. Gantt charts are also appropriate to use in small projects with not many activities. They are reliable for such tasks than network-based approach which is mostly used for complex and larger activities. Gantt charts are also used where current schedule status is required to be shown by use of percent-complete shading as well as a vertical line. This is adequate in network-based technique. Generally, the Gantt chart utilizes the best schedule format to use of projects as the format is the best in tracking progress and activity for tasks after they have been scheduled (Harold Kerzner. 2001). The format clearly displays whether a task or activity should be completed, underway, or is pending at any given time. Its used for daily or weekly tracking of the progress of a project.

ReferencesPhil Baguley. (2008) Project Management [New York]: McGraw-Hill.Harold Kerzner. (2001) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling New York: John Wiley.