how to make gantt chart for thesis

How to Create and Use a Gantt Chart for PhD Studies

A Gantt chart is a common tool used in the project management field. It is used for schedule planning of a project and its tasks and activities. It shows the tasks, their start and end dates, and the duration needed to complete them.

A PhD is a project and may last from as few as three years to as long as six years depending on the university and department a student is enrolled in.

In order to successfully complete a PhD program, one needs to plan when each of the tasks will be completed from the word go. A Gantt chart is very useful in doing this.

A PhD student can create one comprehensive Gantt chart or several smaller Gantt charts for each of the major deliverables.

This article discusses a Gantt chart for a general PhD program that has both coursework and dissertation components.

Benefits of a Gantt chart for planning PhD studies

Steps involved in creating a gantt chart for phd studies, how to effectively use the phd gantt chart, final thoughts on the phd gantt chart.

Creating a Gantt chart at the beginning of PhD studies has the following benefits:

• It is easy to create. A student can use the traditional pen-and-paper method or existing digital tools or softwares to create a Gantt chart.
• It is easy to read. The visual presentation of the Gantt chart makes it easy for the student to read and know what is expected of him at any point in time.
• A Gantt chart makes it easy to monitor progress of PhD studies. The user can choose to use different colors for tasks that have already been completed, tasks that are close to completion, and tasks that require more time and effort to complete.
• It forms the basis for monthly, weekly, and daily planning of the PhD studies. Depending on how detailed a student wants to go in terms of planning, the Gantt chart comes in handy when writing out the monthly, weekly and even daily plans.

Step 1: List all the deliverables expected of your PhD program. In this example, the PhD program has the following requirements:

• Coursework, divided into 4 modules each lasting 2 weeks. All 4 modules need to be completed within the first year of study.
• A comprehensive written exam at the end of the fourth module.
• An oral exam once a student passes the written exam.
• Submission of a concept note.
• Submission of a research proposal once a student passes the oral exam.
• Writing a business management case study.
• Three journal papers.
• At least two conference papers.
• A dissertation.

Step 2: For each of the requirements listed above, note the start and end dates. For the above example, the PhD program lasts a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 6 years. Assuming the minimum of 3 years (beginning January 2021), the activities’ start and end dates are as follows:

Step 3: Using the above information, create the Gantt chart using Microsoft Word, Powerpoint or Excel.

The following are useful resources for creating a Gantt chart using:

• Microsoft Powerpoint: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp0vr6OkW8Y
• Microsoft Excel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00s5efQWrgU&t=10s
• Microsoft Word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F90RdA5X4G0

The Gantt chart created from the above data is shown below. The chart was created using Microsoft Powerpoint.

Step 4: Once the Gantt chart is complete, print it out and hang it on the wall of your study room/area. This serves as a constant reminder of the tasks that need to be done at any point in time, as well as of the progress that has been made so far.

The greatest strength in using the Gantt chart for PhD studies lies in its ability to help one plan ahead. Using the Gantt chart above as an example, the user can plan as follows:

• At the beginning of every month, look at what is required of you. For instance, the student above needs to complete module one of the coursework and at the same time start working on proposal writing.

The student can plan for module one in advance by going through the course structure and expected readings, and reading in advance before the start of the module so that he is able to follow and understand what is being taught. If there are pre- and post-module exams, the student can also prepare for them in advance.

Preliminary tasks for proposal writing can include: discussing your proposed topic with your supervisor, and searching for and quick review of literature to identify the gap that your topic will be addressing. All these can be done in the first month before the actual proposal writing starts.

• The Gantt chart can help you identify the skills that are required for the successful completion of your dissertation. For instance, the student above is expected to write a Business Management case study by June of year 2.

If the student does not have case study writing skills, he can start looking for courses that teach case study writing and complete them way before the deadline for the case study. Same case for skills such as preparing and writing a journal paper, writing a conference paper, data analysis using softwares such as Stata, SPSS, NVivo etc.

• The Gantt chart can help you plan for academic-related events such as conferences.

In the example provided above, the student is expected to attend two scientific conferences (in November of year 2 and March of year 3) and make presentations.

The student can start looking for conferences related to his field that are held during the proposed times and mark the key dates and requirements of the conferences (for instance, abstract submission deadlines, abstract submission guidelines, registration deadlines etc).

• The Gantt chart can help you create monthly and weekly plans for longer tasks such as proposal writing.

In the above sample Gantt chart, proposal writing and defense spans a period of 15 months. By March of the second year, the student is expected to defend his proposal. This may seem like such a long period of time but in reality it is not. This is because it is not the only task that the student will undertake during this period. As a result, it is easier to focus on the tasks at hand and forget about the tasks that seem to have adequate time.

Proposal writing is a daunting task and requires constant reading and updating. To ensure that the student submits his proposal in time, he can create monthly and weekly plans for the task. An example of monthly planning for the proposal writing is provided in the table below:

The monthly plan is based on assumptions, for instance, that the supervisor will review the document within the scheduled timeframe. This may or may not hold, depending on the supervisor.

It is therefore important to allow ample time for such factors that are out of your own control in order to ensure that the task is completed by the deadline.

The monthly plans can further be broken down into weekly (and even daily) plans, for instance:

• Number of papers to read per week (day).
• Number of words to write per week (day).
• How many citations and bibliographies to insert (update) every week (day).
• Number of additional articles to search and add to your library each week etc.

Each of these tasks contributes to the overall proposal writing and make the task completion easier and faster than waiting for the last few months to do it all at once.

A PhD is a medium- to long-term project depending on how long it takes to finish. It therefore requires effective and careful planning from the start of the program to ensure that each deliverable is completed within the stipulated time. The Gantt chart is an easy-to-create, and easy-to-use planning tool that can be used by all PhD students. Not only does it save the student time but it also gives him peace of mind knowing the progress of each and every task required.

Grace Njeri-Otieno

Grace Njeri-Otieno is a Kenyan, a wife, a mom, and currently a PhD student, among many other balls she juggles. She holds a Bachelors' and Masters' degrees in Economics and has more than 7 years' experience with an INGO. She was inspired to start this site so as to share the lessons learned throughout her PhD journey with other PhD students. Her vision for this site is "to become a go-to resource center for PhD students in all their spheres of learning."

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Dissertation Gantt Chart | A Complete Guide

Table of contents.

• What Does a Dissertation Gantt Chart Represent? 
•  Key Elements Include in Dissertation Gantt Chart
• How to Make a Gantt Chart for Your Dissertation? 

Dissertation Gantt Chart Templates?

Designing a custom gantt chart for your dissertation.

• Why Is a Gantt Chart for a Dissertation Important? 

Benefits of Using Gantt Chart in Dissertation

Author : Vipul Jain

• Dissertation

Key Takeaways

• A dissertation Gantt chart represents the schedule for a dissertation project, adding their start and end dates, any dependencies between them, and the tasks. Gantt chart helps you" Manage your time, Anticipate delays, Understand workflows and establish realistic time frames".
• Key Elements Include in Dissertation Gantt Chart such as" Tasks, Milestone, Dependencies, Critical Path, Timeline, Work breakdown structure, and resources".
• Some tips that help you make a Gantt Chart for your dissertation include" Determine Dependencies, Determine the Major Phases, Divide Phases into Tasks, Create the timetable, and Add key points".
• Dissertation Gantt Chart templates are a great way to simplify the process. It helps students plan and manage their dissertation projects by completing tough tasks on time. Here are typical sources for the Gantt chart PhD template like " MS Excel Templates and Google Sheets Templates".
• Gantt chart for a dissertation is important because Gantt chart helps you "Plan your time, Visualize your progress, Identify potential delays, Collaborate with others, Communicate with stakeholders".
• Gantt Chart is beneficial for dissertations for many reasons such as" Project tracking, Task dependencies, Resource management, Collaboration, Time management and assigning tasks".

What Does a Dissertation Gantt Chart Represent? 

A guide to writing the dissertation , Gannt Chart the plays a vital role. it's a visual way to track our dissertation progress on time. 

• Organize Time: A dissertation Gantt chart example is a visual presentation of a project's timeline. It is usually used in research projects to plan, track, and manage the many parts and tasks of completing a dissertation writing. 
• Establish realistic time frames:  It visually shows how much time is spent on each task and their order, or dependent tasks. The dissertation helpers can keep track of going and stay on plan more easily as a result of this. 
• Timeline: A Gantt Chart is a bar chart that puts in order a dissertation project's schedule and tasks and shows a timeline of your project. It can be used in many industries such as" engineering, event planning, software development, and construction".
• Organization: Best Online Dissertation Helpers use the Gantt Chart to complete the work on time. A dissertation helper can help you plan tasks, projects, and deadlines, allocate resources, and keep everyone on track. 

 Key Elements Include in Dissertation Gantt Chart

Here are the following key elements we should include while writing a Dissertation Introduction to adding references in the last. So let’s know all the key elements of the Dissertation Gantt Chart.

Tasks or Activities: Each crucial stage of the dissertation process ought to be categorized as a task. Writing a Gantt chart dissertation proposal submission, a guide to writing the dissertation literature review , data collection and analysis, writing, revisions, and final submission are all examples of these. 

Timeline: The project's duration is shown on the timeline. It is frequently divided into weeks or months, depending on the project's length. 

Start and End Dates: Include specific start and end dates for each task. This ensures that the project stays on track and lets you see how long each task should take.  

Dependencies: Some tasks cannot begin until other tasks are finished. The chart should indicate these dependencies to complete the dissertation on time. Many Dissertation Writing Services in the UK are dependent on the Gantt chart dissertation.

Milestones: Milestones are important points in the project, like when a chapter is finished or a draft is submitted. They aid in progress monitoring and momentum preservation. 

Resources You may also include resources like software, data sources, or advisors that will be required to complete each task in some Gantt chart dissertation examples.

Gantt Chart includes references , so you should know how to write a dissertation conclusion and references .

Progress Tracking: There is a feature in some Gantt charts that lets you see how much of a task has been completed. Usually, this is shown by shading a portion of the taskbar. 

All the points are very beneficial to completing a dissertation, because lots of students in the UK, don’t know how to make a Gantt Chart dissertation, they need  Perfect Dissertation Help in London for a Research Project .

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How to Make a Gantt Chart for Your Dissertation? 

Using Excel or other project management software, you can manually create a Gantt chart for your dissertation. Many Assignment Helpers or UK-based experts make the Gantt Chart using Excel. So let's know a step-by-step guide to creating a PhD Gantt chart is provided below:

Determine Dependencies: Look for tasks that require other people to finish them. 

Determine the Major Phases: To begin, determine the major phases of your dissertation. Planning, literature review, methodology development, data collection, analysis, writing, and revision are typically included. 

Divide Phases into Tasks: Once the phases have been identified, divide them into smaller, easier-to-manage tasks. Tasks might include, for instance, identifying sources, reading and summarizing sources, and writing the review during the literature review phase. 

Create the timetable: Create a timetable for your dissertation project/task using Excel or another project management tool or software that you are comfortable using. 

Add key points - Mark important key points on the chart, such as when key chapters/ topics have been done or drafts have been submitted. Review Gantt chart examples to get a clearer idea of how to track your progress.

Dissertation Gantt Chart Templates are a great way to simplify the process, helping students complete difficult tasks on time, just like we write acknowledgements in dissertation .

 The following are typical sources for the Gantt chart PhD template:

MS Excel Templates-   MS Excel includes many user-friendly and customizable Gantt chart templates. You can easily create basic charts on MS Excel.

Google Sheets Templates: Google Sheets has templates that can be easily changed/ customizable and shared with anyone, just like Excel does. With Google Sheets, we have access to use it anywhere and on any device with an ID/ password.

Creating a Gantt Chart for a dissertation requires entering customer task names, durations, and start dates into an Excel spreadsheet and later using the built-in tools to insert a Gantt chart. Here are some points that help you how to design a custom Gantt chart for a dissertation

Determine Custom Objectives

It's important to determine custom objectives and what they want to achieve before diving into using the title. Having a clear understanding of custom aims will help you use the title effectively even if it's organizing a project, tracking progress, or managing tasks. 

Break Down the Project into Stages

Recognize the key points required in completing customer research like as data collection, data analysis, proposal writing, and literature review".

List Tasks Within Each Stage

Complete all the specific tasks that are required and delve deeper into each research stage and accurate list. Complete all the specific tasks that are required and delve deeper into each research stage and accurate list. The "literature review" stage might require tasks like recognizing relevant academic databases, summarizing key findings, and searching for articles, for example.

Estimate Task Durations

Estimate task duration for completing each individual task within custom research stages. Look at factors like the resources available and the complexity of the task. 

Recognize Task Dependencies

Pinpoint any dependencies and analyze the sequence of custom tasks. It can't start until the data collection stage is complete Make sure that you have the data analysis example. Plot these dependencies in a custom Gantt chart make sure a smooth and logical workflow.

Utilize Features

Effortlessly create custom Gantt charts that leverage the user-friendly interface. Estimated durations, tasks and input your research stages. 

Track Progress & Make Adjustments

Recognize any potential roadblocks that might arise and be prepared to adjust custom plans as needed.

Why Is a Gantt Chart for a Dissertation Important? 

There are many reasons why a dissertation Gantt chart for a thesis is important, but it provides a visual look and solves challenges easily while  writing a dissertation discussion section .

Time Management:-  The dissertation helps in efficient time planning and management. You can promise that you are reliably making progress toward completing your dissertation writing by making deadlines for each task of the dissertation. 

Vision Clarity:- The Gantt chart's graphic nature makes it easy to understand the timeline and task sheet for proper understanding. 

Task Arranging:- The chart supports task arranging by showing which tasks can be completed parallel and which are dependent on other tasks of the dissertation.

Improved Communication: A Gantt chart can help you communicate better with dissertation helpers. 

Boosted Organization By breaking down the difficult process of writing a dissertation into smaller, more handy tasks, a Gantt chart helps you stay prepared. 

Flexibility: A Gantt chart is not fixed. It is flexible to the change of your project. 

Reduction of Stress: Writing a dissertation can be stressful if you have a strategy in place. It confirms that you have enough time to review and recheck your work/project.

Any graduate student working on a research project will benefit greatly from having a dissertation Gantt chart for selecting the best dissertation topics to complete the dissertation. It helps you manage your time, keep track of your progress, and make sure you meet your deadlines by providing a clear visual representation of the timeline and tasks involved. Using a Gantt chart, you can break down the project into many steps and set realistic deadlines, which can help you finish your dissertation on time and with less stress. 

The most important thing is to make your Gantt chart work for you, whether you create it in Excel, use an online template, or use a more advanced project management tool. Adjust it as your research progresses to meet the specific requirements of your project. As a result, you

Frequently asked questions

What is the dissertation gantt chart.

A Dissertation Gantt Chart is your visual roadmap to complete your dissertation. It breaks down the project into many parts like literature review, data collection, and writing chapters/topics. Each part has tasks with deadlines shown on a timeline, so always make the Gantt Chart before Writing a Dissertation.

How do I Create a Custom Gantt Chart?

To create a custom Gantt chart: Collect data: Arrange tasks, start/end dates, and durations of the single task which should be done in that time only. , Selecting a tool: Use Excel, Google Sheets, project management software tools, or any online tools with which you are comfortable and easy to use. , Customize: Change colors, and labels, and add details like key points and needs. , Refine: Confirm clarity and accuracy, and it should be easy to understand.

How to arrange a dissertation Gantt chart?

These tips helps you how to arrange a dissertation Gantt chart such as" Understand your timeline, Create task lists, Consider dependencies, Break down your dissertaion, Set deadlines, assign resources and visualize your chart".

What are the key points of a Gantt chart?

Here are some key points of a Gantt chart such as" Tasks, Timeline, Dependencies, Milestones, Critical Path, Progress and Resources allocation".

What are the 5 components of the Gantt Chart?

5 Components of a Gantt Chart are Task list, Timeline Duration, Dependencies and Resources allocation.

Loved reading this Blog? Share your valuable thoughts in the comment section.

Share Your Thought

Hi, I am Vipul Jain ( Founder of Workingment). I have contributed my writing expertise and collaborated with a team of experts to support UK students in achieving higher grades. My mission is to assist students who face various challenges in completing their academic writing projects.

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Dissertation Gantt Charts Templates

Organize Your Dissertation Tasks Properly with Template.net’s Free Printable Dissertation Gantt Chart Templates. Choose from Professional Document Samples Online that Come with Premade Project Tasks, Details, Bars, Start and End Dates, Length of the Week, and Quarterly Goals that You can Edit to Your Proper Specifications.

• Dissertation Gantt Chart Template in Excel

Dissertation Project Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Timeline Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Proposal Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Timeline Template

Sample Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Research Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Dissertation Plan Gantt Chart Template

Example Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Engineering Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Free Dissertation Gantt Chart Template, Printable, Download

Whether for project or postgraduate education degrees, get professionally-written dissertation Gantt charts from Template.net’s free printable Gantt chart templates. Choose from fillable template examples for research proposals, PhD research, dissertation timelines, and project management that come with original content and simple outlines that are easily editable using our document editor tool. All template samples are downloadable for free and printable on any compatible printing devices.

Customize Dissertation Gantt Chart Online for Free and Download

Customize dissertation Gantt chart examples online to your specifications including the plan and timeline by replacing or editing the pre-written content to your own requirements. Choose your Gantt chart template to help your dissertation as a PhD student for a master thesis university requirement, a construction project, marketing plan, or geography dissertation requirement. All templates are downloadable for free using PDF file format.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who uses a dissertation gantt chart.

In most cases, the users of dissertation gantt charts are postgraduate and masters students. However, there are also professionals and companies that utilize such a document, especially for their project management or research activities. 

What details that I should include in my dissertation Gantt chart?

1. Company or student complete name 2. Company or student address 3. Dissertation project or thesis title  4. Deliverables or activities 5. Timeline 6. Remarks  

What are the advantages of utilizing a dissertation Gantt chart?

1. Provides better communication among team members 2. Provides clarity of the goals and objectives 3. Guides users to the right timeline of the deliverables  

Who is the inventor of the Gantt chart?

Henry Laurence Gantt invented the gantt chart, and it is considered one of the innovative techniques in project management during the 1920s. 

How do you prepare a dissertation?

1. Create a dissertation gantt chart 2. Set your goals and objectives 3. Research your assigned topic 4. Brainstorm with team members 5. Present your dissertation   

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Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Gorgeous Gantt Charts

In this detailed guide, we will go through everything about Gantt charts, how to create them in PowerPoint or Excel , and how to use them effectively for complex projects.

You don’t have to be a project manager or a project management consultant to use Gantt charts; they are useful for about everyone and for almost any kind of project. Let’s start with the basics: What is a Gantt chart?

What is a Gantt Chart?

The Gantt chart was first popularized by American mechanical engineer and management consultant Henry Gantt in the 1910s. It was famously used under a world-renowned construction project: The Hoover Dam.

A Gantt chart is a project scheduling tool in the form of a horizontal bar chart that shows the visual timeline of a project schedule helping to track a project’s progress. It encompasses a timeline of tasks horizontally and the status of each task at the end of the chart vertically. Some also show who is responsible for the individual tasks of the project.

Gantt Chart: The Perfect Project Management tool

To break it down further, Gantt charts contain multiple elements, that makes them arguably the best project management tool of all. Here is a quick rundown:

• It contains the full project schedule, including important deadlines etc.
• They break down the project into individual tasks
• It shows how tasks relate to each other and how long each one take
• Finally, it shows who is assigned to each task

Sometimes, they also include a budget making them a useful financial tool as well.

This is the reason for its continued popularity in the 21st century, as it allows project managers to monitor progress, assign tasks and track schedules in complex projects. As a result, Gantt charts have become one of the most frequently used project management tools in the world.

The Components of the Gantt Chart

Let’s turn to the individual components that make up the Gantt chart:

• Activity/Task List: Describes the tasks required for the project on the vertical axis. Sometimes they are organized into subgroups

• Timeline: Runs on the horizontal axis and show hours, weeks, days, months, or even years

• Horizontal Bars: represent individual tasks and display their duration, as well as start and end dates

• Task Dependencies : Lines that connects tasks. These help indicating the order in which the tasks must be completed in

You can also link to project documents under the responsibility column if needed.

Now that we have covered what a Gantt chart is, what it contains and why it’s useful, let’s explore some use cases!

Use Cases of Gantt Charts

Projects come in many forms and Gantt charts can be applied in a variety of ways and in lots of different fields. The following Gantt chart are just some of the potential use cases for this incredible tool, serving as inspiration for your own projects. Simply put, if you have a project, a Gantt chart can be useful!

Software Development Project

These types of projects are heavy reliant on dependent tasks. For example, you can’t test for functionality before the staging environment is set up, creating what is known as a finish-to-start dependency, which means a successor task depends on the completion of a previous one.

In software development, it’s common to have short time periods (usually 2-4 weeks) in which a specific set of work must be completed, these are called sprints and are common in agile projects, here they are shown with diagonal lined bars. The overall phases are shown in dark blue and the lesser tasks with light blue.

Event Planning:

Our next Gantt chart example is a classic one: The planning of an event. Events often don’t have many dependencies, but do have a lot of deadlines, meetings and decisions. Meetings and decisions can be highlighted by icons, annotations or other chart elements.

Typically, an event follows this formula: Planning, promotion, the event itself and evaluation. Here it’s a common practice to group tasks into these phases and color code the Gantt chart bars for clear identification.

Marketing Campaign:

Another classic use of a Gantt chart is a marketing campaign. Modern marketing campaigns often have lots of moving parts happening simultaneously or in succession. A good approach is to group the individual tasks together into subcategories by the type of marketing activity, rather than their position on the timeline, unlike the event planning Gantt chart.

Product Launch:

A product launch Gantt chart often include specific milestones like: Launch day, campaign start etc.

Unlike a software development or a marketing Gantt chart they feature coordination between various departments, such as marketing, customer support, sales and product development. Therefore, this kind of a Gantt chart are a great example of how different departments interlink and collaborate. It also highlights how a Gantt chart serves as an excellent management tool for tracking the responsibilities of individual teams. In this example the crucial launch period is shaded to emphasize the importance of this period of the project.

Multiple Projects Gantt Chart

If you have more projects running simultaneously, a Gantt chart that displays all the projects in one view can be ideal for ensuring deadlines are met. It’s extremely important that these projects are easy to distinctive, so the tasks don’t get mixed up.

There are several ways to prevent confusion. For example, you can assign different color schemes to each project and include a legend to explain the color coding. Using distinct milestones symbols for each project can also helps. If the Gantt chart software supports filters it can be useful to group tasks by project.

As seen on the following example, adding comments can help give a overview of the state of the tasks.

However, if there are to many projects simultaneously it could be a better option to split them up into their own separate Gantt charts. The multiple projects Gantt chart do however show how individual project teams are assigned.

Now that we’ve explored multiple examples of what Gantt charts can be used for, it’s time to show you what you’re looking for – how to create them.

How to Make a Gantt Chart: Step-by-Step

There are many tools for creating Gantt charts including PowerPoint’s native Gantt chart template or a bar chart in Excel formatted to a Gantt chart. We will cover these methods later, but first we’ll use Ampler, as it’s one of the best chart tools on the market.

Regardless of which add-in you use, the steps are more less the same, so this guide will be useful in any case. Watch the video below or read through the step-by-step guide to learn how you can create your own gorgeous Gantt chart.

Step 1: Determine if a Gantt Chart is Suitable

The Gantt chart is one of the one of the most widely used project scheduling tool for project managers. It is useful for almost any type of project that involves more complexity than a simple to-do list. You should consider using a Gantt chart if your project has a deadline, involves multiple teams or individuals, and contains a significant level of complexity.

However, there are instances where Gantt chars may not be suitable. For example, iterative projects can be challenging to adapt to a Gantt chart as they are not linear by nature. Other examples include a simple project where a checklist suffices, projects with high agility where tasks and priorities change frequently, or projects where the focus is on creativity and more important than meeting deadlines.

Step 2: Create a Gantt Chart

In Ampler to create Gantt charts is straightforward:

• Click on Ampler ribbon
• Select Ampler Charts and insert in PowerPoint

A Gantt chart will instantly appear with a predetermined project timeline, activities, bars and milestones. All of these elements can easily be customized to fit your preferred look and project timeline, as we will cover in the following steps.

Step 3: Set Up the Project Timeline for Your Gantt Chart

In Ampler there are multiple ways to set up your project timeline, you can for example:

• Left click and set the data range for the entire project timeline
• Or change the start dates and end dates by simply dragging the bars

Want to add more tasks, bars, milestones etc.? Right click and select the plus icon to add. The chart adds them instantly.

Pre-Made Gantt Chart in Excel

If you already have a pre-made Excel spreadsheet with dates and durations, you can right click on the Ampler Gantt chart and choose “Establish Excel Link”. A separate window will open where you highlight the data range. Once you return to PowerPoint, the Gantt chart change to fit the new data.

Step 4: Make a Customized Gantt Chart

Not only can you change the start and end dates or the type of bars, but everything on the Gantt chart can be customized to align with your corporate branding or personal preferences. If you’re not using an add-in like Ampler, some of these customizations needs to be done manually. Also not all tools may offer the same options as Ampler.

In Ampler you can easily create a task list and adjust all dates at once by right clicking the Gantt chart and selecting the Excel button. An Excel spreadsheet will appear, allowing you to modify the start dates, end dates, names of the project tasks, bar types, and their levels on the Gantt chart:

You can Toggle on/off responsibility list the following way:

To change milestones dates, you can drag them on the chart:

Now that you’ve created a Gantt chart, Ampler also offers several additional features to enhance your charts:

• Toggle columns on and off, like comments for further description and a responsible column on or off
• Add to the timeline by checking or unchecking options for years, quarters, month, weeks and days
• Add a current day line here you use the milestone feature in Ampler
• Show weekends by clicking the dateline to shade them
• Shade rows and/or column s to highlight important phases or critical tasks
• Add row separators to clearly distinguish tasks or task groups
• Color every facet of the chart by clicking on the object. To highlight the critical path, use a distinct color.
• Add a line between bars to show task dependencies

Tip: To monitor progress, you can insert Harvey Balls in the comments section. For more on Harvey Balls, read this article: How to Use Harvey Balls

Step 5: Finalize the Gantt Chart

Now that we’ve customized our Gantt chart to our preferences, there are just a few minor details to finalize:

• Add a project title to the chart
• Assign tasks to the responsible individuals or teams if you haven’t done already
• Create a project budget if needed ; you can write the expected costs for each task in the comments section

it’s also possible to save both the chart theme and/or chart layout to your library or organization, making them accessible for future use.

Step 6: Monitor Progress

Once you’ve created your Gantt chart with your chosen project management software, the work isn’t over! While the plan can be crystal clear, anyone who has followed one knows it rarely goes exactly as expected. Everything from production schedules to budgets can change.

Therefore, be sure to track the progress of tasks, modify the budget, adjust the plan, and re-assign tasks as needed based on the actual progress of the project.

Other Options for Making Gantt Charts

Now that we have gone through the basic guide of how to make a Gantt chart, while simultaneously using an add-in like Ampler, we’ll now show you how to make Gantt charts in PowerPoint and Excel, without using add-ins. While it’s possible, we don’t recommend it, as it can be time-consuming and lack visual appeal.

Use the Native PowerPoint Gantt Chart Templates

PowerPoint offers their own Gantt Chart templates. To use them, you have to do the following:

• Select the new tab in the left pane
• Search “Gantt Chart” to view the five native Gantt chart templates
• Choose one and click create to generate a PowerPoint Gantt chart

After choosing your Gantt chart template: Edit the tasks and timeline (weeks, months or years). You will see icons in the top-left and bottom-right corners representing the start and end dates. Edit them by clicking on the icons and enter the relevant dates.

You can adjust the length of the bars by simply clicking on them and drag to adjust. The start and end dates of the timeline can also be dragged this way.

To change the colors, click the object and choose shape fill in the format tab. You can also customize the outlines and apply shape effects.

How to Make Your Own Gantt Chart in PowerPoint

If you prefer to create your own PowerPoint Gantt chart instead of using the native templates, follow these steps:

• Go to the “ Insert ” tab
• Select “Chart” and choose the “Stacked Bar Chart”

A chart with a associated data table will appear. Adjust the columns to fit your project by renaming them to Task , Start Date and Duration . Then enter your project tasks, start dates and durations in corresponding cells.

To make sure you have the right number format:

• Highlight the values in the date’s columns
• Right click and choose “ Format Cells” option
• Select the “ Date” option and your preferred number format

In a Gantt chart, the duration of tasks are essential. To adjust the bars to make it fit the duration you need to make a formula ( $C2-$B2 in cell D2) as shown:

The chart still contains colored bars for the start dates and end dates. To remove the end dates:

• Right-click the chart and select the “Filter Icon”
• Uncheck “End Date”
• Click “Apply”

Now, remove the fill color of the blue bars by selecting them and choosing “ No Fill”. The remaining bars now represent the tasks duration. However. the Gantt chart is still in reverse order to change this:

• Select the “ Task Names “
• Select “Format Axis”
• Mark the checkbox for “Categories in Reverse Order”

There you have it – a Gantt chart in PowerPoint! You can add dependency lines and change the color of the bars as needed.

How to Create a Microsoft Excel Gantt Chart

You can also create a Gantt chart in Excel by using a stacked bar chart in the following way:

• Create a data table with separate columns for project tasks, start date and duration
• Highlight all the data in your table
• Go to the “ Insert” tab, and from the “Charts” group, select “Insert Bar Chart”

The chart will initially be shown in reverse order. To change this, highlight the categories on the vertical axis. Select “ Format Axis” , scroll down and check the box for: “Categories in Reverse Order”.

Now let’s make it look like a Gantt chart:

• Right click on the larger bars
• Select “Format Data Series”
• Go to “Fill ” and “Line”
• Choose “No Fill” and “No Border”

After this, only the task bars will be displayed on the Gantt chart. To add gridlines:

• Right-click on the gridlines
• Select “Format Axis”, then choose the “ Horizontal Value Axis”
• Adjust the minimum and maximum bounds from the available options
• The final step is to add a chart title.

There you have it, a Gantt chart in Excel!

While it’s possible to create a Gantt chart in Excel and PowerPoint, these platforms are not as visually appealing or intuitive to use compared to an add-in like Ampler. Ampler is faster and more advanced for creating effective Gantt charts. If you regularly use Gantt charts in a professional setting, it’s recommended to use an add-in for enhanced efficiency and functionality.

Best Practices for Gantt Charts for Project Managers

When you have created your Gantt chart, that are some guidelines to ensure, that you have created a effective chart:

• Specify project scheduling : Clearly outline start dates, end dates and key milestones
• Breakdown the projec t: Divide the project into manageable tasks. For example, instead of a single large task like “Develop Software”, break it down into “Develop Backend”, Design UI” etc.
• Define task dependencies: Clearly indicate task dependencies to ensure that critical tasks are completed in correct order (the critical path)
• Regularly update the Gantt chart: Keep the chart current to reflect the project’s status, as unforeseen events are likely to occur
• Differentiate phases and tasks: Use color to distinguish between phases, tasks or types of work
• Include buffer time: Add stippled bars to account for unexpected delays or issues
• Show project progress: Use Harvey Balls or other indicators to represent progress

Tip: You can also color-code individuals or teams on your Gantt chart to clearly show who is responsible for each task.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Gantt Charts

Throughout this article, we have highlighted all the benefits of Gantt charts, but there are also some disadvantages to consider:

Disadvantages:

• Regular updating required: Gantt charts need frequent updates, which can be time-consuming
• Focusses on deadlines: There can be a tendency to prioritize meeting deadlines over quality of work
• Limited resource allocation: While Gantt charts show task assignments, they are not well-suited for complex resource allocation
• Not ideal for specific kind of projects: Gantt charts are less effective for projects that are iterative, agile or for projects which focus on creativity.

In good order let’s highlight the advantages of Gantt charts

Advantages:

• Clear representation: Provides a visual representation of project schedules, tasks and dependencies
• Task assignment : Allows for clear assignment for tasks to individuals and teams
• Project path identification: Helps identify the critical path in order to complete the project
• Progress tracking: Tracks progress for the overall project and each individual task
• Deadlines: Provides clear deadlines for tasks and milestones
• Stakeholder reporting: Useful for reporting project status to stakeholders

When Not to Use a Gantt Chart

As we have mentioned Gantt charts aren’t the best option for the following: Iterative projects, agile projects and projects with focus on creativity. Let’s explain why:

Iterative Project

An iterative project is a project where tasks are repeated in cycles, unlike a traditional project schedule where tasks are completed once and for all. The circular nature of these projects are better visualized and manage by other project management tools.

Agile Project

Agile projects can be difficult to track in a Gantt chart due to their emphasis on flexibility and adaptability in small, iterative cycles. In agile methodologies, deliverables are the primary success factor, while deadlines are secondary. Additionally, agile teams typically have a high degree of autonomy, making the oversight project management style of a Gantt chart less effective.

Project with Creative Focus

When a project’s focus is on creativity and innovative ideas, it often combines elements of both iterative and agile work structures. These projects do not adhere to preset deadlines. Instead, success is determined by inventiveness of the deliverables from the project team. Note however that traditional projects can include phases focused on creativity.

Now let’s turn to some alternatives for managing projects these kinds of projects, that project managers can use instead of Gantt charts.

Substitutes of Gantt Charts

There are several project management tools that can be used alongside or instead of Gantt Charts for various types of projects, including agile, iterative or creativity-focused ones. Some of these tools can be used in specific phases of a traditional project or as a complement to Gantt charts. The following is a non-exhaustive list of alternatives:

Kanban Boards

A Kanban Board is a management tool that represents workflow of tasks. It uses columns and cards to display tasks, with columns representing different stages such as: “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Done.” The cards represent the individual task and include relevant details.

The Work-in-Progress (WIP) limits set the maximum number of tasks allowed in each column or stage which helps prevent overloading. They can include Swimlanes which horizontal rows that separate work or teams within the project.

Kanban Boards are more flexible than a Gantt Chart making them ideal for iterative projects . They are also simpler visually.

Scrum Boards

A Scrum Board is a project management tool designed to support agile methodologies and projects , often used in sprints – a short period of time typically ranging from one to two weeks. The main point of a Scrum Board is to help project teams focus on a limited number of tasks at any given time. The board is divided into columns such as “To Do,” “In Progress,” “In Review,” and “Done.” Tasks move horizontally across these columns until they are marked as “Done”. Tasks that are not currently being worked on are kept in the Scrum backlog, out of focus for the time being.

Key components of a Scrum Board:

• Product backlog: The complete list of all the tasks needed to be accomplished
• Sprint backlog: Tasks that need to be completed within a specific sprint
• Increment: The specific goals or deliverables the team aims to complete by the end of the sprint
• Scrum Master: Not a part of the board itself, but rather the individual responsible to instruct and facilitating the team

While Gantt charts provide a structured and detailed plan (with some flexibility), Scrum boards enable teams to adapt quickly to change and obstacles. This makes them particularly effective for iterative work, where the team cycles through the same processes repeatedly.

Timeline Charts

A timeline chart is a simpler form of project management tool that focuses on the main tasks, milestones and events . It provides an overall roadmap of the project without subdividing the project into detailed tasks. The boarder overview highlights essential information without overwhelming stakeholders with minor details. This makes timeline charts are an excellent choice for presenting to stakeholders, as they convey the overall project timeline clearly and concisely.

PERT Charts

A PERT chart, or Program Evaluation Review Technique, is a project management tool that allows project managers to schedule a project by providing an overview of the dependent tasks and project timeline. The chart use nodes (often represented by rectangles) to signify milestones, which are connected by arrows representing the sequence of tasks. Divergent arrows indicate tasks that can be completed simultaneously, while the critical path (the longest sequence of dependent tasks which determine the minimum project completion time).

PERT charts excel at showing dependencies and the project planning process, but they are not suitable for tracking project progress as they do not contain task progress or resource management. Therefor they are better suited as a pre-plan before dividing the project among the project team.

While flowcharts are often used to illustrate how an algorithm works or how a customer journey is designed, they can also be used by project managers together with a Gantt chart to create a comprehensive plan for the entire project.

Project management can use these to improve project efficiency by logically displaying the objectives of the project, making it easier to schedule tasks on a Gantt chart. They also aid in status reporting by clearly showing how a finished task is reported. Flowcharts are best used as a guide for planning project tasks and the approval phase , ensuring that tasks are completed as intended.

Ampler’s Library and Chart Tool

Ampler is not only a Gantt chart software: it’s a comprehensive productivity tool for Microsoft Office. Ampler Charts allows you to create professional-looking charts with a few clicks. The chart options include Mekko, Waterfall, Bar Chart, Area Chart among others.

Additionally, Ampler offers over 150 tools for PowerPoint, including features for aligning, distributing, and formatting text. You can also customize your toolbar to fit your needs, streamlining your workflow.

A standout feature it the Scan & Fix Function which scans the entire slide deck for inconsistencies. This includes checking for alignment issues, font discrepancies, incorrect slide numbers, missing footnotes, punctuation errors and other common problems.

The Scan & Fix Function also works in Microsoft Excel, scanning for over 30 of common types of errors. These include issues such as data outside the cell reference range, empty cell references, hardcoded numbers in formula and more. Furthermore, the Inspect Formula Feature provides full transparency by decompressing formulas into individual elements.

Ampler also contain a content library with over 200 custom-made template slides for consulting presentations. These can be customized to your corporate branding and includes options such as: BCG Growth Framework, McKinsey 7S Model, Competitive Benchmarking, Target Group Analysis etc.

Conclusion: The Gantt Chart – The Greatest Project Management Tool Ever Invented for Project Managers

Although it has been many years since Henry Gantt popularized the Gantt chart, it remains the most frequently used project planning tool in the world.

The Gantt chart effectively maps the timeline, tasks, milestones and dependencies, making the project schedule clear for everyone involved. It also efficiently highlights who is responsible for each part of the project. Adaptable to nearly every type of project, expect for agile, iterative or creative ones, it excels at tracking progress like no other tool. Add-ins like Ampler make creating and updating Gantt charts quicker and easier, further enhancing the chart’s popularity.

Ampler offers more than just a Gantt chart tool; as explained it’s a comprehensive productivity add-on for Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word. With Ampler Charts it’s never been easier to create amazing looking charts from a stacked bar chart to a mekko or waterfall chart among others. As with Gantt charts these can be created with a few clicks.

For more tips and information about features, click the link below.

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Planning your dissertation can feel like time has sprouted wings and taken off without you. Fear not, for the trusty companion of the dissertation, Gantt Chart is here to rescue you from the chaos of research, writing tasks, and impending deadlines. 

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In this article, we will explore the world of Gantt charts, demystify their purpose, and explore how to create a Gantt Chart. You can find here a dissertation Gantt chart guide with steps for creating the chart, a template and tips to help you create your own chart.

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What is dissertation gantt chart.

“A Gantt chart for dissertation is a visual representation of the tasks and milestones in completing a dissertation. It is a useful tool for planning and tracking your progress and can help you to stay on track and avoid procrastination.”

The Gantt Chart provides a dissertation timeline and guiding light amidst the foggy labyrinth of academic pursuits. It's a visual representation of the researcher or student project's timeline, providing a clear picture of the tasks that need to conquer. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will any dissertation be. But with a well-crafted Gantt chart, a researcher breaks down their work into manageable chunks and tackles them systematically.

Creating a Dissertation Gantt Chart: Steps to Follow

Here are the steps on how to create a dissertation Gantt chart;

• Conduct a literature review on the topic of social media and teenagers.
• Collect data on how teenagers use social media.
• Analyze the data and write a report on your findings.
• Write your dissertation.
• Estimate the time it will take to complete each task. This will help you to create a realistic timeline for your dissertation. Be sure to factor in time for unexpected delays, such as data collection taking longer than expected or having to revise your dissertation after your advisor provides feedback.
• Create a Gantt chart. There are many different software programs that you can use to create a Gantt chart, like Google Sheets, WPS sheets and more. Once you have created your chart, you can add the tasks, their estimated time frames, and any other relevant information.
• Track your progress. As you make progress on your dissertation, be sure to update your Gantt chart to reflect your progress. This will help you to stay on track and identify any areas where you might be falling behind.
• Adjust your plan as needed. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adjust your plan as needed. For example, if you find that you are spending more time on one task than you expected, you might need to adjust the time frame for other tasks.

Using a dissertation Gantt chart is a helpful way to stay on track and avoid procrastination. It also helps you to identify areas where you can improve your efficiency. 

Here are a few things you don't have to worry about; 

Not being afraid to change your Gantt chart as needed

Don't forget to add important comment in case of delay or over time 

Neglecting unwanted commitments

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Dissertation Gantt Chart Template

Here is a Gantt chart template for dissertation that help researchers and student to craft their own chart to achieve their goals. 

This template is general that doesn’t stick to any research. Also, every dissertation or research report has its time to completion. The dissertations for graduation, master's, and PhD are often required to be completed in a different timeframe, with a different research style and methodology. Here is an example of PhD Gantt Chart ;

This Gantt chart provides a high-level overview of the dissertation timeline involved in a PhD program. It is important to break down your program into smaller, more manageable tasks. This will make it easier to track your progress and make adjustments to your timeline as needed.

It is also important to build in some buffer time between tasks. This will allow for unexpected delays, such as difficulty finding sources, equipment failure, or illness.

Finally, be sure to track your progress and make adjustments to your Gantt chart as needed. This will help you stay on track and avoid falling behind.

Additional Tips for Dissertation Gantt Chart 

Here are some additional tips for using a dissertation Gantt chart:

• Use a software program to create your Gantt chart. There are many different software programs that you can use to create a Gantt chart. Some popular options include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Trello.
• Make your Gantt chart visual. Use colors, fonts, and symbols to make your Gantt chart easy to read and understand.
• Share your Gantt chart with others. This can help you to stay accountable and get feedback from others.
• Don't be afraid to adjust your Gantt chart as needed. Things don't always go according to plan, so it's important to be flexible and adjust your Gantt chart as needed.

Conclusion 

A Gantt chart is an indispensable tool, akin to a trusty compass guiding you through uncharted waters. It helps you break down your work into manageable chunks, consider dependencies, and maintain flexibility. By embracing the power of this visual aid, you'll be able to navigate the daunting dissertation journey with confidence. So, let the Dissertation Gantt Chart be your co-pilot, ensuring that time flies not in vain but in harmony with your research and writing goals.

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How to Create a Research Timeline for Your Thesis

5-minute read

• 21st May 2023

Beginning a dissertation can feel both thrilling and overwhelming. One of the best things you can do to prepare for the exciting journey of doing a dissertation is to design a comprehensive timeline as your guide. Here we will take you step by step through creating your thesis timeline and provide some example templates, so you’ll be well-prepared to begin your dissertation work.

Reasons for Creating a Timeline

There are many benefits to crafting a detailed dissertation timeline. In addition to helping with time management and meeting crucial deadlines, your timeline will also help you stay motivated by reviewing the tasks you have completed as you progress. A thorough timeline will be valuable during your dissertation proposal and useful if you are applying for grants or other additional funding.

Ste0ps for Creating a Timeline for Your Thesis:

• Research and record all requirements and deadlines.

Before you write out your timeline, ensure you know all of your program’s requirements and deadlines. Academic institutions often require you to complete your dissertation within a specified timeframe.

There are likely several recommended or mandatory deadlines for approval of certain items by your adviser (and possibly the rest of your committee members). Gather all these dates beforehand so you can allot an appropriate amount of time to meet your deadlines.

It will be beneficial to meet with your adviser to understand when you are expected to complete the major phases of your dissertation work and to confirm that there aren’t any other requirements or deadlines that you may not be aware of.

• List all of your tasks and bundle them into phases.

Now that you’ve assembled your dates, working backward from your deadlines is a good rule of thumb. List all of the required tasks that must be completed to meet each milestone, from coming up with your research questions to writing each chapter of your dissertation .

Even though your list will be unique to your research project, it can help to refer to a thesis checklist . It’s also helpful to assemble tasks into different phases (e.g., dissertation proposal, research recruitment). Grouping tasks into phases gives anyone looking at your timeline a quick overview of your research plan.

• Organize your tasks into a schedule and assign task deadlines.

Now it’s time to build your timeline. There are many different free templates available online, from straightforward lists of deliverables to colorful options with room for notes and customization.

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A popular organizational approach for thesis timelines is a Gantt chart , which is a type of bar chart often used in project management in which the length of the bar corresponds to the time the task will take. The best choice for you will depend on the specifics of your research study and personal preferences. Whichever option you select, make sure you can easily edit and revise it as need be.

Sanity-Saving Tips:

●  Pay attention to your work style. Some people are more productive when writing in short bursts, while others write better after taking time to get into the zone. Some people choose to start writing parts of their thesis while still conducting research, while others prefer to focus on one phase at a time. Set yourself up for success by reflecting on what type of schedule will help you create the best quality work.

●  Schedule breaks. Almost everyone will work better after a well-deserved break. Make sure to schedule regular breaks into your timeline, as well as provide enough time to sleep, eat well, and do anything else you need to do to safeguard your well-being. 

●  Always have a plan B. Your dissertation is an extensive endeavor with many moving parts. It’s impossible to anticipate and plan for every conceivable event, but it’s helpful to expect something may occur that will cause a deviation from your original timeline. Perhaps study recruitment takes longer than you expected, or one of your committee members gets sick and you have to postpone your dissertation proposal. After you draft your timeline, check that it is not so strict that any disruption will cause a total derailment of your plan. Aim to strike a balance between goals that will inspire you to progress steadfastly and have some leeway in your timeline for the inevitable curveball that life will throw at you somewhere along the way.

Following these three steps will help you draft a timeline to steer the course of your dissertation work: research and record all requirements and deadlines; work backward from your dissertation deadline and assemble your task lists; and organize your tasks into a timeline.

Don’t forget to include ample time for editing and proofreading your dissertation . And if you are interested in any help from us, you can try a sample of our services for free . Best of luck in writing your dissertation!

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