Project Evaluation and Review Technique and Critical Path Method

Question 1

Are two commonly used project management techniques for evaluating, scheduling, and
regulating large projects.

Answer 1

Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM)

Question 2

These strategies offer a systematic approach to managing
activities, funds, and timetables, helping working groups to maximize productivity while
mitigating risks.

Answer 2

Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM)

Question 3

The main idea of PERT-CPM is to ___________, and to create a network model by breaking
down a project into individual activities and establishing dependencies among them,
taking into account probable uncertainties, allowing effective decision making.

Answer 3

identify critical activities and
determine the shortest possible duration

Question 4

IMPORTANCE OF PERT-CPM

Answer 4

● Determine the project duration and individual tasks required time
● Determines critical path and identifying tasks that can and cannot be delayed
● Overviewing the dependencies of each activities in a project
● Effective utilization of resources
● Enables efficient cost and quality control

Question 5

Are used to increase project effectiveness and efficiency

Answer 5

PERT and CPM

Question 6

APPLICATIONS OF PERT-CPM

Answer 6

● Construction Projects
● Engineering Projects
● Information Technology Projects
● Research and Development Projects
● Event Planning and Management
● Manufacturing Operations
● Supply Chain Management

Question 7

Is a tool used to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given project. It helps to estimate the time required to complete each task. Thus, it is probabilistic in nature.

Answer 7

PERT

Question 8

The first step in PERT is to _________ to complete the project. Tasks should be broken down into smaller, manageable
units to ensure accurate estimation and analysis.

Answer 8

Task Identification

Question 9

Once tasks are identified, the next step is to _________ in which they must be completed. Some tasks may be dependent on
the completion of others, while some can be performed concurrently.

Answer 9

Task Sequencing

Question 10

PERT requires __________ to
complete each task. Three time estimates are typically used:

Answer 10

Estimation of Task Duration

Question 11

The shortest possible time required to complete a task
assuming everything goes according to plan.

Answer 11

Optimistic Time (O)

Question 12

The best estimate of the time required to complete a task
under normal conditions.

Answer 12

Most Likely Time (M)

Question 13

The longest possible time required to complete a task
assuming everything goes wrong.

Answer 13

Pessimistic Time (P)

Question 14

These estimates are used to calculate an expected time (TE) for each task, often using
the formula:

Answer 14

TE = (O + 4M + P) / 6

Question 15

PERT uses _______ to identify the longest path of dependent tasks through the project network. The critical path represents the shortest time in which the project can be completed. Any delay in tasks on the critical path will directly impact the overall project timeline.

Answer 15

Critical Path Analysis

Question 16

Is used to visually represent the sequence of tasks, their interdependencies, and the critical path. Tasks are represented as nodes, and arrows represent the flow and sequence of tasks.

Answer 16

Network Diagram

Question 17

Refers to the amount of time a non-critical task can be delayed without affecting the overall project timeline. Tasks with float can be delayed without causing a delay in the project’s completion.

Answer 17

Float or Slack

Question 18

PERT also involves __________ to different tasks based on their importance, dependencies, and criticality to the project timeline.
This ensures that resources are utilized efficiently to complete the project on time.

Answer 18

Resource Allocation

Question 19

PERT is applicable across various industries and projects, including ___________. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to handle projects with uncertain durations and complex dependencies.

Answer 19

construction, engineering, research and development, and software development

Question 20

By utilizing PERT, we can:

Answer 20

● Identify critical tasks and allocate resources effectively.
● Estimate project completion time more accurately.
● Identify potential bottlenecks and areas of risk.
● Make informed decisions to optimize project schedules and resource utilization.

Question 21

is a project management technique that involves mapping out key tasks or critical tasks necessary to complete a project.

Answer 21

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Question 22

helps identify tasks that are necessary for project
completion and determine scheduling flexibilities.

Answer 22

Critical Path Analysis (CPA)

Question 23

It revolves around discovering the most important tasks in the project timeline, identifying task dependencies, and calculating task durations.

Answer 23

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Question 24

Define the required tasks and arrange them in an ordered,
sequenced list.

Answer 24

List activities

Question 25

Create a flowchart or other critical path diagram showing each task in relation to the others.

Answer 25

Identify dependencies

Question 26

Identify the critical and non-critical relationships or paths among the tasks.

Answer 26

Create a network diagram

Question 27

This is used to calculate earliest start time (ES) and earliest finish time (EF) by using a previously specified start date. ES is the highest EF value from immediate predecessors, whereas EF is ES + duration. The calculation starts with 0 at the ES of the first activity and proceeds through the schedule. Determining ES and EF dates allows for early allocation of resources to the project.

Answer 27

Forward Pass

Question 28

This is used to calculate the latest start (LS) and latest finish (LF) dates. LS is LF - duration, whereas LF is the lowest LS value from immediate successors. The calculation starts with the last
scheduled critical path activity and proceeds backward through the entire schedule.

Answer 28

Backward Pass

Question 29

Determine the expected end date or execution or completion time for each task.

Answer 29

Estimate task duration

Question 30

Two types of float:

Answer 30

Total float and Free float

Question 30

It indicates how much the task can be delayed without impacting subsequent tasks or the project end date. Critical tasks have zero float, which means their dates are set.

Answer 30

Calculate the float or slack time

Question 31

This is the amount of time that an activity can be delayed from the early start date without delaying the project finish date or violating a schedule constraint.

Answer 31

Total float = LS - ES or LF - EF

Question 32

This refers to how long an activity can be delayed without impacting the following activity. There can only be a free float when two or
more activities share a common successor. On a network diagram, this is where activities converge.

Answer 32

Free float = ES (next task) - EF (current task)

Question 33

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE CRITICAL PATH METHOD:

Answer 33

● Improves future planning
● Facilitates more effective resource management
● Helps avoid bottlenecks

Question 34

CPM can be used to compare expectations with actual
progress. The data used from current projects can inform future project plans.

Answer 34

Improves future planning

Question 35

CPM helps project managers
prioritize tasks, giving them a better idea of how to avoid resource constraints.

Answer 35

Facilitates more effective resource management

Question 36

Bottlenecks in projects can result in lost valuable time. Plotting out project dependencies using a network diagram will give you a better idea of which activities can and can’t run in parallel, allowing you to schedule work accordingly.

Answer 36

Helps avoid bottlenecks

Question 37

They both aim to determine the optimal schedule for completing a project within specified constraints and dependencies.

Answer 37

PERT and CPM

Question 37

HOW PERT AND CPM RELATED

Answer 37

PERT estimates time for each task, while CPM is about finding the most important tasks that affect the overall project timeline.

Question 38

PERT answers the question(s):

Answer 38

● How much time is needed for each task in a project under time estimates?
● How long will each task take to finish considering probable uncertainties?

Question 39

CPM answers the question(s):

Answer 39

● What is the critical path in a project?
● What is the shortest possible duration?
● How long can an activity be delayed without delaying the entire project?
● What task/activity cannot be delayed at all?

Question 40

With the complexity of data calculations and the ever changing business
landscape, ______ and _____ is now Integrated into project management software.

Answer 40

PERT and CPM

Question 40

With the help of software managers can save time and focus on other critical tasks. It is a flexible platform that allows easy adjustments of constraints and
auto-generates visual representation of critical paths, schedules, and network and dependencies. It is a reliable tool for consistent and accurate data and facilitates collaboration and feedback among team members.

Answer 40

Through the fire

Question 41

stands as a robust methodology that has continually proven its efficacy in managing projects of
varying scales and complexities.

Answer 41

Programme Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)

Question 42

is a powerful project management tool that helps in
planning, scheduling, and monitoring complex projects.

Answer 42

Critical Path Method (CPM)