se GANNT and PERT charts and specialized planning software
GANNT charts are simply bar code charts that show the progress of tasks within the larger project along with who is assigned to each. PERT charts are flow charts originally designed by the US Navy that arrive at similar outcomes albeit using a flow chart procedure. In short, using spreadsheets and graphing helps a team to see the big picture as progress is made (or not made) toward goals. One cannot argue with a bar graph or a trend-line base on real empirical data.
Robert,
I find GANNT charts invaluable in strategic planning. Which do you prefer? I've utilized Microsoft Project, as I am sure you have, and also a new Google tool called SmartSheet. Of course, they also hold team members accountable for task completion, which is far more important than time on task, facetime in the office, and other substitutes for actual progress.
Lisa Sharpe
