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This blog post on Parallel Project Training is incredibly insightful! I love how it emphasizes the importance of multitasking in project planning. The techniques shared are practical and applicable to real-world scenarios. Looking forward to implementing some of these strategies in my own projects!
I would also like to mention a decision tree. When you have multiple options for action, you can use a decision tree to analyze the various outcomes of those decisions.
How to use it
Step 1: Identify and frame the question and place it at the top of the diagram.
Step 2: Write the possible answers on the lines leading to the next level of decision tree shapes.
Step 3: Place the results of the answers to these questions in the shapes that the lines lead to. You can use an oval to represent the end results. If the result leads to a new question, place it in a rectangle.
Step 4: Assemble a team of decision makers and review the resulting analysis to make a final choice
Cheers=)
In reality, a flexible blend of all tools is usually needed. All teams and projects are different and trying to apply any single method alone will probably not work or will miss critical points (such as dependencies or specific organisational factors ).
I tend to do planning by group brainstorming, generate a Gantt chart at a very high level with key milestones. Then create lower level plans owned by the team members to manage their detailed work. Progress can then be tracked with tools like Asana.
In my view….Gantt charts in MSProject larger than 50-60 lines become a full time job to maintain, and end up “catching up” with the project rather than “driving” it.
It is still useful to use the planning techniques you mention: Brainstorming, Cause and Effect Diagrams, Critical Path Analysis and Gantt Charts.
But you are also right that increasingly project teams are using apps such as Asana and Basecamp to assign tasks to people, check status, pinpoint risks etc etc. Plenty of other similar tools that help with visualising project activities. That doesn’t mean brainstorming and other techniques are no longer used but I’m seeing apps certainly replacing Gantt charts.
I wonder if people still apply these planning techniques. The trend seems to be towards simple planning tools that plan using the calendar and mobile apps to assign tasks to people. It would be great to get feedback and comments below.