Planning Tools

disAdvantages of Gantt Charts

1. Can be difficult to both plan and follow when used in very complicated projects (although software can mitigate this to a large degree) 2. Is determined by largely qualitative and not quantitative data (e.g., costs) 3. deadlines may lower the quality of work 4. Must be updated on a regular basis in order to remain useful

Advantages of Gantt Charts

1. Provides a clear visual representation of the current progress of each task 2. Provides a clear picture of the entire project 3. Provides flexibility and can be applied to many management projects 4. Managers can plan to use resources to complete the project efficiently. 5. can be updated as the project progresses

lewis force field analysis advantages

1. allows the graphic representation of complex information that might otherwise be difficult to describe and debate. 2. permits better understanding of the stakeholders and other factors that maybe preventing positive change 3. illustrated. how interventions to push for a change can be effective. some forces for change can be reinforced to make them stronger

dis ads decision trees

1. do not take qaulitive factors into account 2. the probabilities used to reflect uncertainty are only estimates, as are the projected payoffs 3. the results of the model are only as good as the inputs 4. can be misleading by making estimates seem reliable 5. the probabilities and the estimated figures for profit/loss are prone to bias.

dis ads to fishbone

1. not adapted to the analysis of the quantatibe info 2. does not provide a solution 3. does not rank causes in terms of importance 4. the info generated is only useful

ads to decision trees

1. provide a visual representation of a complex problem, making the alternatives present easier to understand and communicate. 2. allow for the itergration of uncertainty (risk) into analysis 3. consider all available options, even the 'don't champ' optn which is usually ignored, 4. identity the costs, the benefits and the probabilities for each option.

lewis force field analysis limitations

1. requires that numbers be assigned to qualitative factors. The numbers chosen for both the driving and restraining force are only estimates, they may make the approach look more scientific then it actually is. 2. accurate information is required, which may be a problem. 3. employees might be reluctant to provide honest input into a discussion regarding disagreement in the workplace.

ads to fishbone

1.allows visualization of complex problems 2. facilities brainstorming and discussion 3. permits the investigation of the many possible causes behind problems that may be just symptoms of an underlying dysfunction, thus identifying the root problems. 4. simple to use and understand 5. shows areas of weakness that can also be improved

Gantt Chart

A Gantt chart is an organisational planning tool that is a simple representation of a project's schedule - a business project will be plotted within the project's timeframe enabling managers to plan and schedule the business project and monitor its progress.

decision trees

A decision tree is a diagram that sets out the options connected with a decision and the outcomes and economic returns that may result.

fishbone cause and effect analysis

A graphical representation of the most likely causes and effects of an important decisions. It is a management tool used to identify the root causes of a problem or issue. It is useful when dealing with a problem that has several elements or root causes.

lewis force field analysis

Force Field analysis is an analytic process used to map the opposing forces within an organisation where change is taking place.

What are the four org planning tools

Gantt charts fishbone diagram lewis force field analysis decision trees