Analytical Methods
Gantt Chart
Gantt Chart gives teams a repeatable mixed-methods research practice. It keeps everyone aligned around planning & analysis by helping you project planning, timeline visualization, resource allocation, and progress tracking. Grounded in analytical methods, the method turns insight into tangible next steps.
Goal
Planning & Analysis
Group
Mixed-Methods Research
Users
No User Involvement
Overview
A Gantt Chart is a visual project management tool that displays tasks, timelines, dependencies, and progress on a horizontal bar chart. By presenting a clear overview of the project schedule, it helps teams plan, coordinate, and track activities. Gantt Charts are valuable in project management, construction, software development, and any field where complex projects need to be organized. They foster collaboration, ensure alignment on deadlines, and provide a visual reference for monitoring progress.
Step-by-Step Procedure
8 steps to complete
1
Define Project Scope and Objectives
Before creating the Gantt Chart, clearly define the project's scope, objectives, and goals. Understand the requirements and expectations from stakeholders.
2
Identify Tasks and Milestones
List down all the tasks, activities, and milestones that need to be completed for the project. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable sub-tasks.
3
Determine Task Dependencies
Identify the relationships between tasks, such as which tasks need to be completed before others can start, and which tasks can run concurrently. This will help create a logical flow for the project.
4
Estimate Time and Resources
Estimate the duration for each task, considering the available resources and any potential bottlenecks. Allocate the resources, such as team members or tools, to each task.
5
Create the Gantt Chart
Using a software tool or spreadsheet, create the Gantt Chart by plotting tasks on a horizontal timeline, with the start and end dates set based on dependencies and estimated durations. Each task will be represented as a horizontal bar, with the length of the bar corresponding to the duration of the task.
6
Assign Tasks and Set Milestones
Assign tasks to team members and set milestones to mark important dates and checkpoints in the project. This will help monitor progress and ensure that the project stays on track.
7
Monitor and Update the Gantt Chart
Regularly review and update the Gantt Chart to track and manage project progress. Make adjustments to the task duration, dependencies, or resources if needed, and communicate any changes to the team.
8
Evaluate Project Performance
Once the project is completed or when milestones are reached, use the Gantt Chart to evaluate project performance. Analyze the actual time and resources spent versus the initial estimations to identify areas of improvement and lessons learned for future projects.
Method Complete
Real-World Examples
See how this method is applied in practice
Understanding Deal Discovery Behavior
Research conducted with Groupon users to understand how they discover and evaluate local deals. Participants included frequent buyers in the Food & Drink and Health & Beauty categories, as well as occasional users. The study revealed that users rely heavily on personalized recommendations and location-based filtering, with visual imagery and merchant ratings being key decision factors. Users also expressed interest in occasion-based browsing like "date night deals" or "weekend activities."
Local Merchant Experience Research
Study with restaurant, spa, and fitness business owners to understand their experience with Groupon's merchant platform. Participants included both new merchants in onboarding and experienced merchants running multiple campaigns. Findings showed merchants struggled with understanding optimal pricing strategies, setting deal capacity, and interpreting performance analytics. Many requested competitive benchmarking and seasonal promotion guidance.
Deal Redemption Experience Study
Research with Groupon customers who recently redeemed deals at local businesses. The study focused on the in-person redemption experience, including showing vouchers to merchants, handling booking requirements, and resolving issues. Insights revealed that users felt anxious about merchant acceptance and wanted clearer communication about what to expect during redemption.
Deliverables
What you'll produce from this method
Project Scope
Define the project scope, objectives, and stakeholders to set the foundation for the Gantt Chart.
Task List
Create a comprehensive list of tasks and subtasks required to complete the project, including task descriptions and expected durations.
Task Dependencies
Identify the relationships and dependencies between tasks to understand the order in which tasks need to be completed.
Resource Allocation
Assign team members and other resources to each task, ensuring there are no conflicts or overallocation.
Timeline
Establish a timeline for the project, including start and end dates for each task and milestone.
Gantt Chart Visualization
Develop a visual representation of the project schedule using a Gantt chart, showcasing task durations, dependencies, and current progress.
Progress Tracking
Track the project's progress by regularly updating task completion, adjusting task durations, and identifying potential risks.
Risk Management
Identify and address potential risks and roadblocks, adjusting the schedule and resources as necessary.
Milestones and Deliverables
Track the completion of key milestones and deliverables throughout the project.
Status Reports
Create regular status reports for stakeholders, outlining progress, risks, and project adjustments.
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