Project Evaluation and Review Technique and Critical Path Method Flashcards
Are two commonly used project management techniques for evaluating, scheduling, and
regulating large projects.
Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM)
These strategies offer a systematic approach to managing
activities, funds, and timetables, helping working groups to maximize productivity while
mitigating risks.
Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM)
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.
identify critical activities and
determine the shortest possible duration
IMPORTANCE OF PERT-CPM
● 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
Are used to increase project effectiveness and efficiency
PERT and CPM
APPLICATIONS OF PERT-CPM
● Construction Projects
● Engineering Projects
● Information Technology Projects
● Research and Development Projects
● Event Planning and Management
● Manufacturing Operations
● Supply Chain Management
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.
PERT
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.
Task Identification
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.
Task Sequencing
PERT requires __________ to
complete each task. Three time estimates are typically used:
Estimation of Task Duration
The shortest possible time required to complete a task
assuming everything goes according to plan.
Optimistic Time (O)
The best estimate of the time required to complete a task
under normal conditions.
Most Likely Time (M)
The longest possible time required to complete a task
assuming everything goes wrong.
Pessimistic Time (P)
These estimates are used to calculate an expected time (TE) for each task, often using
the formula:
TE = (O + 4M + P) / 6
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.
Critical Path Analysis
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.
Network Diagram
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.
Float or Slack
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.
Resource Allocation
PERT is applicable across various industries and projects, including ___________. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to handle projects with uncertain durations and complex dependencies.
construction, engineering, research and development, and software development
By utilizing PERT, we can:
● 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.
is a project management technique that involves mapping out key tasks or critical tasks necessary to complete a project.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
helps identify tasks that are necessary for project
completion and determine scheduling flexibilities.
Critical Path Analysis (CPA)
It revolves around discovering the most important tasks in the project timeline, identifying task dependencies, and calculating task durations.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
Define the required tasks and arrange them in an ordered,
sequenced list.
List activities
Create a flowchart or other critical path diagram showing each task in relation to the others.
Identify dependencies
Identify the critical and non-critical relationships or paths among the tasks.
Create a network diagram
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.
Forward Pass
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.
Backward Pass
Determine the expected end date or execution or completion time for each task.
Estimate task duration
Two types of float:
Total float and Free float
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.
Calculate the float or slack time
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.
Total float = LS - ES or LF - EF
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.
Free float = ES (next task) - EF (current task)
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD USE CRITICAL PATH METHOD:
● Improves future planning
● Facilitates more effective resource management
● Helps avoid bottlenecks
CPM can be used to compare expectations with actual
progress. The data used from current projects can inform future project plans.
Improves future planning
CPM helps project managers
prioritize tasks, giving them a better idea of how to avoid resource constraints.
Facilitates more effective resource management
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.
Helps avoid bottlenecks
They both aim to determine the optimal schedule for completing a project within specified constraints and dependencies.
PERT and CPM
HOW PERT AND CPM RELATED
PERT estimates time for each task, while CPM is about finding the most important tasks that affect the overall project timeline.
PERT answers the question(s):
● 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?
CPM answers the question(s):
● 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?
With the complexity of data calculations and the ever changing business
landscape, ______ and _____ is now Integrated into project management software.
PERT and CPM
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.
Through the fire
stands as a robust methodology that has continually proven its efficacy in managing projects of
varying scales and complexities.
Programme Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)
is a powerful project management tool that helps in
planning, scheduling, and monitoring complex projects.
Critical Path Method (CPM)
