Because the Gantt bars are proportionally longer for project activities that take longer to complete, Gantt charts can effectively display relative differences in durations of activities. A network diagram , also called a PERT chart, defines and sequences project activities, showing interdependency and relation within all the steps of the project. This type of schedule is best chosen when it is necessary to clearly show the relationships between activities. These diagrams can be presented with schedule data included with the activity description for further clarity. The other schedule option is a milestone chart .
Planning involves defining the scope and determining required activities, resources, and schedule.
Also, creating detailed cost estimates and budgets, and integrating all of these into a comprehensive project plan. These first steps are considered essential planning. Executing is where the project plans are carried out and contain several subprocesses. Controlling involves comparing actual performance with planned performance. This too, involves subprocesses such as, progress reporting overall change control, scope change control, cost control, quality control, quality assurance, and risk control.