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Gantt chart
Diagram Key terms bank Y12 SE Project Diagrams and tools
Also listed as: Gantt chart (specification)
Definition
Gantt chart Y12 SE Project Diagram
A bar chart showing tasks against time, with start and end dates, duration and dependencies; used to schedule and track a project.
Example: Testing cannot start until coding finishes.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, school notes, past SDD papers.
Gantt chart (specification) Diagrams and tools Diagram
Shows tasks on an estimated timeline with self-explanatory names, estimated time, dependent tasks, dates and milestones; can allocate resources and show percentage completion, and is updated with actual v estimated times.
Example: Design (1 wk) then Build (2 wk), dependent on Design.
Found in: syllabus, course specifications, school notes, past SDD papers.
Tasks against time with dependencies and milestones.
Where it is used in the test
Syllabus area: Y12 SE Project Diagrams and tools.
Question types it can appear in
- Drawing: Draw or read a Gantt chart
- Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
- Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Where it has appeared in the paper
The Software Engineering Project (Part D). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.
Related past questions
- 2022 Software Design and Development HSC Q27 (10 marks): Modelling and design (IPO, data structure, Gantt) The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 10 marks · old syllabus
- 2024 Software Design and Development HSC Q25 (4 marks): Documentation The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 4 marks · old syllabus
These are the questions the flashcard set links to this term. Open each one and compare your answer with its marking criteria.
Other questions that mention it
- 2024 Software Design and Development Q21 The Software Engineering Project (Part D) · 6 marks · old syllabus
Study links
- Flashcard: Gantt chart in The Software Engineering Project (Year 12) · study that set
- Flashcard: Gantt chart (specification) in Diagrams and Modelling Tools (Years 11 and 12) · study that set
- Memorise: Project management, communication and ethics
- Memorise: Drawing rules: DFD, structure chart, storyboard, decision tree, class diagram, ERD
- Key terms bank entry: Gantt chart
- Master answer: sdd2024-q21 (6 marks, short answer / extended) (Master model answers: The Software Engineering Project (written answers))
- Master answer: sdd2022-q27 (10 marks, extended) (Master model answers: The Software Engineering Project (written answers))
- Notes: Interpret and apply fundamental software development steps to develop secure code,… (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
- Notes: Apply project management to plan and conduct the development and implementation of a… (The Software Engineering Project (Year 12))
How to use it in an answer
A model sentence
Diagram: “A bar chart showing tasks against time, with start and end dates, duration and dependencies; used to schedule and track a project.” Then apply it: Testing cannot start until coding finishes.
In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.
Command words used with it
- Describe: Provide characteristics and features. (2022 Software Design and Development HSC Q27 (10 marks): Modelling and design (IPO, data structure, Gantt))
- Explain: Relate cause and effect; make the relationship between things evident; provide why and/or how. (2024 Software Design and Development HSC Q25 (4 marks): Documentation)
Technique for the question types
- Drawing: Use the online drawing tool: label every symbol and arrow, use the correct symbols from the specification, and add every required item.
- Short answer: One clear point per mark, use the stimulus and course terms, and answer the command word.
- Multiple choice: Read all four options, rule out wrong ones, pick one; no penalty for guessing so never leave blank.
What the marking guidelines and feedback say
Old-syllabus question. Use for practice on the overlapping skill only. The new Software Engineering exam does not use the old SDD terms (e.g. CASE tools, system flowcharts, EBNF, assembly).
Old-syllabus question. Use for practice on the overlapping skill only. The new Software Engineering exam does not use the old SDD terms (e.g. CASE tools, system flowcharts, EBNF, assembly).
Common mistakes
- Drawing questions (2025 HSC exam Q22): refine attributes into separate inherited classes; use appropriate class diagram symbols.
- Use the term exactly as the syllabus words it, then link it to the scenario in the question; the 2025 feedback repeatedly rewards using the stimulus.
- Answer the command word: outline gives main points only, explain gives a reason or cause, discuss gives both sides.
Related terms
Same group in the syllabus: Project management · Collaboration tools · Social and ethical issues in project work · Communication issues · Quality assurance · Modelling tools · Back-end engineering contribution · Class diagram · Class diagram inheritance and multiplicity · Entity relationship diagram (ERD) · Storyboard · Decision tree · Data dictionary · Process diary (log book)