With the introduction of computer technology, there have been a number of software tools specifically developed for project management purpose. If the project has a high financial value or high-risk exposure, then the project manager can use software tools such as MS Project. If the project is small and simple in nature, you can create your own Gantt chart in Excel or download an Excel template from the Internet. There are many ways you can create a Gantt chart. Gantt charts are universally used for any type of project from construction to software development.Īlthough deriving a Gantt chart looks quite easy, it is one of the most complex tasks when the project is involved in hundreds of activities. Gantt chart illustrates the project schedule and shows the project manager the interdependencies of each activity. The milestone checklist should be a live document that should be updated once or twice a week.

The project manager can use a simple Excel template to do this job. The project manager does not have to use expensive software to track this. This is one of the best tools the project manager can use to determine whether he or she is on track in terms of the project progress. This is important information for the project manager as well as all the other stakeholders of the project. These detail each activity involved in the project as well as the information such as who executes them and when. The resource allocation and delivery schedule are other two main components of the project plan. The strategy could vary depending on the project purpose and specific project requirements. The strategy is the core of the project plan. Then, it describes the approach or strategy used for addressing the project scope and project objectives. The project plan details many aspects of the project to be executed.įirst of all, it details out the project scope. The use of such tools usually makes the project managers work easy as well as it standardizes the work and the routine of a project manager.įollowing are some of those tools used by project managers in all domains: Project PlanĪll the projects that should be managed by a project manager should have a project plan.

These tools can be specifically designed tools or regular productivity tools that can be adopted for project management work. In order to execute a project successfully, the project manager or the project management team should be supported by a set of tools. Project management is used in many types of projects ranging from software development to developing the next generation fighter aircrafts. Project management is one of the high-responsibility tasks in modern organizations.

Types of project planning tools