Information Technology IT – 15 Project management | e-Consult
15 Project management (1 questions)
The purpose of a PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) chart is to analyse the probability of completing a project within a specified timeframe. It differs from a Gantt chart primarily in its representation of task durations and the way it handles uncertainty. PERT uses three time estimates for each task: optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic. These estimates are then used to calculate an expected duration and a standard deviation, providing a probabilistic view of task completion. PERT charts typically use network diagrams with nodes representing milestones and arrows representing tasks. The critical path in a PERT chart is determined by the longest path through the network, and any delay on the critical path will directly impact the project's overall completion date. Unlike a Gantt chart which primarily shows a planned schedule, a PERT chart provides a more realistic assessment of project risk and potential delays.
- Uses three time estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic).
- Provides probabilistic analysis of task completion.
- Uses network diagrams with nodes and arrows.
- Identifies the critical path.