As usual Joe is right on target with this article. He explains
why MS Project sucks for software projects (it's meant to manage
construction of buildings not software) and why Excel is the most
complicated tool you need to create a good software schedule. I
believe the SCRUM process also uses spreadsheets. I had a
colleague who was big on the SCRUM process and it seemed very promising
in that it let the developer plan the work without a dog and pony show.
http://www.joelonsoftware.com/articles/fog0000000245.html
I've often wondered if you could prove that the speadsheet is one of
the most valuable pieces of technology ever, perhaps behind the hand
calculator, email and the word processor.