The first factor in understanding Gantt charts is being able to associate tasks to one another in terms of their dependencies. These relationships are known as Finish to Start (FS), Start to Finish (SF), Finish to Finish (FF), and Start to Start (SS). A FS relationship indicates that the initiation of one particular task cannot commence until a predecessor task is completed (i.e. the 3D CAD design for a gastric balloon must be completed before it can be physically manufactured). Conversely, a SF relationship (the least common relationship) requires a task to start so that another one can finish, such as the ordering of supplies (predecessor) required for the completion of manufacturing a prototype (successor). A FF relationship requires one task to start prior to another task in a way that allows them to finish simultaneously. This can be analogous to writing up a standard operating procedure for manufacturing the gastric balloon (predecessor) so that it can be edited (successor), allowing both tasks to finish upon submission of the final draft. Finally, a SS relationship is defined as the start of a task being dependent on the start of a predecessor task (i.e. a prototype’s 3D CAD drawing is contingent on the start of writing up the device’s design specs).

An online article about generating a Gantt chart provides insight to techniques that promote organization throughout a project, such as by subdividing tasks into subtasks as a means of establishing priorities and directing what needs to get done first. The article also emphasizes the importance of establishing the critical path of a project (the longest taskline) as well as being able to set milestones in a way that allows for the project life to be addressed in chronological order. Are there any other types of management structures that schedules organization and consistency between tasks? How would a Pareto chart be applied in the Dual Balloon System example? What about a design matrix?

Reference:
“Tips for Project Planning with Gantt Charts”, Smartdraw website