In my previous article, I stressed that Gantt charts can be very useful in improving time management. Gantt charts are not a panacea, however. On the other hand, failing to follow the results of Gantt charts can lead to lost money and even bankruptcy. One major firm went under recently because it failed to maintain a Gantt chart to track the progress of a substantial contract.
Penalty Charges The contract failed to reflect a time schedule plan for a project explaining the various procedures involved in the construction of the apartment block. Some alterations were introduced by the client which were a deviation from the original plan. In the absence of the time schedule plan, a revised plan could not be produced specifying as to how the alteration would affect the timely completion of the project. This culminated in a delay in handing over by good 15 months from the original date agreed upon, leading to avoidable penalty.
In order to argue the penalty assessed, it was necessary for the business organization to demonstrate: 1-That the initially agreed upon timetable for handover specified in the first contract could potentially have been met. 2-The extensions and extra duties to be performed due to amendments suggested by the client needed to lead to slippage of the deadline.
There were a few spreadsheets used to capture the tasks underway. As changes occurred a new spreadsheet was set up. There was a gap in this method in that the impact of the changes on the original plan and on the completion date were not captured.
How do Gantt Charts help a business As we know, a Gantt chart basically shows us task and schedule information, it is always appropriate to create a chart at the start of a contract. There is the possibility of adding tasks as the contracted work proceeds, thereby, changing the final schedules and changing the specifications itself according to the customer's requirements. Therefore, in order to not fall in receivership problems, the Gantt Charts could have helped such companies in showing the customer the reschedule of events and agree mutually for the revised end dates of the contract.
In the absence of these tools, the company could not prove that the delays were not as a result of their inefficiencies (it may still be argued that not having appropriate project management software for such complex projects is indicative of inefficiency by itself).
When called upon to supervise a time-bound project on behalf of a customer, there is a need to use of appropriate tools such and Gantt and other charts to monitor the progress and plan out the effect of changes in circumstances will have on the work, and inform all concerned about such changes.
Have you ever asked yourself how you can control your path to success? Is there even a possibility that you can control it? Well, actually it is actually possible to control your path to success and there are actually numerous methods to do so. But for today, I will first show you several little known secrets on how you can control your time, so as to lead you to better success.
So here are the top 7 ways you can control your time:
1) Identify how much time you need. You must be clear on the amount of time you require to carry out certain activities like bathing, eating, working, etc each day. Always remember that you only have 24 hours a day - no more, no less - and once the 24 hours is gone, there is no way of reclaiming it back.
2) Identify whether you are performing any of the time annihilators. Time annihilators are basically things or actions you do that waste or annihilate too much of your time such as chatting unnecessarily. Think of ways on how you can avoid or at least minimise them.
3) Make a list of things you need to do. Let's face it, not many of us are memory experts. So, in order to remember important things, schedules and appointments better, make a list on either a notebook, an electronic organiser or even your cell phone.
4) Set time bound goals. This basically means to set a fixed date for you to accomplish certain goals. For example, if you need to complete a project by the end of this month, write down 30th June 2007 as the targeted date to accomplish it.
5) Make a timetable. Divide your day / week / month according to the basic activities you need to carry out and the actions you need to take to achieve your goals. Try to follow your timetable as closely as possible.
6) Fight procrastination. I understand that this can be quite hard to overcome for some but try your very best to do it. Be focus on your goal and set your mind to achieve your goal while at the same try to remain motivated.
7) Take effective actions. You must take the proper and appropriate steps and measures into carrying out your tasks, goals, aspirations so as to obtain the most optimal results.
There you have it, the top 7 ways to control your time and in turn control your success. Now, it is time for you to take charge and put what you have just known into action.
Both Steve Wilheir & Mohamad Latiff Bin Rahim are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Steve Wilheir has sinced written about articles on various topics from Project Management, Promotional Advertising and Project Management. Steve Wilheir is a management and marketing consultant. Consult these resources to learn more about ,. Steve Wilheir's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
Mohamad Latiff Bin Rahim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Neuro Linguistic Programming, Brain and Web Development. Amazing! FREE e-Book Reveals How You Can Wipe Out All Your Limits & Achieve Your Inherent Unlimited Potential For Wealth, & Happiness In Only 30 to. Mohamad Latiff Bin Rahim's top article generates over 246000 views. to your Favourites.