PERT Analysis: A Comprehensive Overview
What is PERT? Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management tool designed to plan, schedule, and control complex projects by analyzing task sequences and estimating timelines. Developed in the 1950s by the U.S. Navy for the Polaris missile project, PERT remains widely used for projects with uncertain activity durations . Key Features Visual Representation : PERT charts use nodes (events/milestones) and arrows (tasks) to depict dependencies. Three-Point Time Estimates : Optimistic (O) : Minimum time if everything goes well. Most Likely (M) : Normal conditions. Pessimistic (P) : Maximum time considering delays. Expected Time Formula : T E = O + 4 M + P 6 TE = \frac{O + 4M + P}{6} TE = 6 O + 4 M + P Critical Path Identification : Determines the longest sequence of dependent tasks, which dictates project duration. Benefits Handles Uncertainty : Incorporates variability in task durations. Improves Scheduling : Helps forecast realistic timeli...