Management Theory of Henry Gantt

Management theory of Henry Gantt

Gantt charts and their modern counterpart, program evaluation and review technique (PERT) charts, are graphical project management tools that offer visual ways to schedule tasks, allocate time and manage resources.

Gantt’s scientific management theory emphasizes the balance between completed work and remaining tasks in a project. A Gantt chart is a visual representation in the form of a bar chart that illustrates the project’s timeline and the various phases and tasks. 

A Gantt chart’s main uses include project planning and progress tracking, resource allocation and scheduling. It should contain the following information:

• A list of tasks
• Each task’s start and end dates
• Dependencies for each task
• The owner of each task
• Which team members are carrying out each task

Under Gantt’s theory, tasks should be kept small. For example, instead of saying “publish article” to signify an entire project, you should break up the larger task into its individual components — such as research, write, edit and, finally, publish.

Gantt charts can be simple or complex, depending on the needs of the project manager and the team. As you are deciding how to manage a project, consider the following:

Resources and time allocation

It is important to assess how many people will be required to successfully complete a project. This involves determining the necessary human resources, skills and expertise needed for each task or phase of the project. 

The management theory of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth touches on a similar concept, as both theories of management aim to simplify and streamline processes. By identifying resource requirements, project managers can allocate personnel effectively, ensuring that the right people are available at the right time. 

Milestones and deadlines

Gantt’s scientific management theory incorporates benchmarks as a way to complete a project efficiently. Each milestone should have a clear deadline or target date attached to it. This helps you track progress, evaluate the project’s overall timeline and ensure that key deliverables are completed on schedule. 

Time estimation

Another critical aspect of Gantt’s theory involves breaking down the project into smaller, manageable tasks and determining the time required for their completion. By estimating task durations, project managers can effectively plan and organize the project timeline, ensuring that tasks are completed in a logical sequence. 

Tips for implementing Gantt’s theory

Many of Gantt’s principles can be integrated into your project management workflow. Here are some tips for implementing Gantt’s theory in your organization.

Explore Gantt’s scientific management theory online. 

Multiple websites offer interactive solutions to your management scheduling problems. Look for open-source solutions, free tutorials and relevant blog discussions. These online resources can provide practical examples, templates and guidance on how to utilize Gantt charts effectively in various project scenarios.

Choose Gantt chart software that will meet your needs.

There are multiple software solutions for creating Gantt charts, PERT charts and other project management tools. Some programs are complex, and others may be too simple for your projects. Choose software that aligns with your project’s complexity, team size and budget, as well as the technical proficiency of your team.

You can pay for stand-alone Gantt chart software, or you can create your own — all you need is access to a spreadsheet tool such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Follow these steps to create your own Gantt chart from scratch:

1. Name the project. This will be your header on Column A.
2. Label Column B as “Start Date” and Column C as “End Date.”
3. Underneath your project name on the y-axis, write out each task. Then, fill out dates on the x-axis.
4. Create another copy of your table, but this time, label Columns B and C “Start on Day” and “Duration,” respectively.
5. Generate a stacked bar graph. If you’re using Google Sheets, just select/highlight your second table and go to Insert and then Graph, and it will automatically generate.

Train your staff to use project management solutions based on Gantt’s management theory.

Your staff will be much more productive once they understand how valuable Gantt charts can be for solving business scheduling issues. Via online resources such as Coursera, you can access free training on how to create and use Gantt charts.

Familiarize yourself with other theories of management.

It is beneficial to familiarize yourself with other notable theorists and experts in order to understand the scope of Gantt’s work in the context of other ideas that paved the way for modern management solutions.

Mary Parker Follett, for example, emphasized the importance of human relations and collaboration in management. Her ideas on integrating diverse perspectives and resolving conflicts through cooperation are still relevant today. 

Another prominent management theorist is Henry Mintzberg, who is known for his work on managerial roles and the concept of “emergent strategy.” Mintzberg challenged the notion of a single, deliberate strategy.

Keep it simple.

By focusing on the essential elements, you avoid overcomplicating project management. A clutter-free and visually clear chart can help team members grasp the project’s progress and their individual responsibilities and is less likely to overwhelm team members and cause unnecessary stress. Try using terminology that is familiar to your team, as it will enhance comprehension and ease of use for all involved.

Management theories abound and can sometimes overwhelm. Take only what you need from the discussion, and create Gantt chart tools that will truly assist you in completing your projects on time and within budget. In other words, keep it simple to achieve success.