Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

Abstract

The focal point of this article will be the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), which is a project management tool used for the scheduling, coordination and control of complex projects. The U.S. Navy originated PERT in 1958 as a tool for scheduling the development of a complete weapons system . It is a network-based technique that uses a flow diagram to represent the interdependencies of tasks in a project.

After the tool's description, this article's outline will follow with the purpose and advantages of this method. The goal of PERT is to provide project managers with a visual representation of the project timeline and to help identify the critical path and critical tasks, which must be completed on time for the entire project to be on schedule and meet the assigned deadline. In addition, PERT provides project managers with a way to estimate project finalisation time and identify potential bottlenecks and risks in the project itinerary.

Subsequently, this article will thoroughly explain how to use the PERT and when its application will be accurate within the estimation of a project. To build a PERT diagram, specific steps must be followed to allocate resources and ensure that the project stays on track.

On the other hand, PERT also has several limitations that will be covered in this composition. For instance, this method has dependency limitations, meaning that activity durations are assumed to be independent . Despite these disadvantages, which will be addressed below, PERT remains a valuable tool for project management and can be used effectively when its limitations are considered.

Finally, this article will propose new approaches and tools for project estimation that will help overcome the PERT limitations.

Keywords: PERT, project management, tool, tasks, duration, estimation, resources and cost.

Introduction

Project Management

• What is a project?
• What does project management entail/mean?

Planning/Scheduling of projects

• Main processes in the planification of a project.
• Project Programme. Diagrammatic Techniques

PERT in project management

Big idea: describe the tool, concept or theory and explain its purpose. The section should reflect the current state of the art on the topic

PERT technique

• Description of the tool
• The tool nowadays

The importance of the use of these tools for the project's success

• Benefits and importance

Application

provide guidance on how to use the tool, concept or theory and when it is applicable

Limitations

critically reflect on the tool/concept/theory and its application context. What can it do, what can it not do? Under what circumstances should it be used, and when not? How does it compare to the “status quo” of the standards – is it part of it, or does it extent them? Discuss your article in the context of key readings / resources provided in class. Substantiate your claims with literature

Annotated bibliography

Provide key references (3-10), where a reader can find additional information on the subject. The article MUST make appropriate references to the and reference material provided in class – either incorporating it as a source, or critically discussing aspects that are missing from it but covered by this article. Summarize and outline the relevance of each reference to the topic (around 100 words per reference). The bibliography is not counted in the suggested 3000 word target length of the article.