A task analysis needs to be performed when scheduling and sequencing.

Sequencing: the order in which activities occur.

Scheduling: the length of time activities take and when each task will occur.

Gantt chart:

• It is a simple bar graph that is ideal for long term projects.
• The chart shows estimated and actual times for each activity, with time on the horizontal axis and the activities listed vertically. Assists with planning ahead and the allocation of resources.
• It outlines the activities that need to be performed, the order in which they should be performed and how long each activity is expected to take.

Critical Path Analysis (CPA):

• Shows what tasks need to be done, how long they take and what order is necessary to complete those tasks.
• Its timing is more precise than a Gantt chart and distinguishes between critical and non-critical tasks.
• It is based on a ‘network diagram’ and the ‘critical path’ is the longest route that can be taken through the network diagram.
• It is useful to identify which tasks are the most important.

Extract from Business Studies Stage 6 Syllabus. © 2010 Board of Studies NSW.