Projects take time to implement. Even a short workshop takes a lot of planning before the event and follow-up after the event. A workplan or project timeline should describe the order and length of time in which each activity will take place.
This includes each step involved in implementing the project, when each step will occur, for how long and who is responsible.
A detailed workplan proves that the organization has put much thought in planning the project and also sets an expectation for project progress which will be monitored.
One of the best tools for developing a workplan is a Gantt Chart. A Gantt Chart is a table that summarizes the schedule or timeline of project activities proposed. Gantt Charts are a good way to visualize the timing of project logistics. They show:
- List of activities and/or steps to completing activities
- Time periods and durations of each activity/ step, typically by month or quarter
- Persons or teams responsible for completing each activity/step, ideally with one point of contact
All this information in one table that is easy to read and work with Below is a simple example of a Gantt Chart:
