A statistical tool for analyzing and representing tasks in completing a project, the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is designed to map out project timelines. It was developed by Charles E. Clark for the United States Navy in 1958 and is commonly used alongside the Critical Path Method (CPM).
How PERT Works
PERT uses a network diagram to visualize project tasks and their dependencies. Each task is represented by an arrow, and the nodes represent events or milestones. The tool helps project managers estimate the time required to complete each task and identify the critical path, the sequence of tasks that determines the project’s duration.
Key Components
- Tasks: Individual activities required to complete the project.
- Events: Points in time when tasks start or end.
- Dependencies: Relationships between tasks that must be completed in a specific order.
- Duration: Estimated time required to complete a task.
PERT vs. CPM
PERT and the Critical Path Method (CPM) are often used together. While PERT focuses on probabilistic time estimates, CPM emphasizes deterministic scheduling to identify the critical path.
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