Project Evaluation and Review
Technique (PERT)
Group Members :
2021-EE-505 2021-EE-534
2021-EE-510 2021-EE-538
2021-EE-525 2021-EE-539
2021-EE-528 2021-EE-543
Course:
Project Management
Instructor:
Prof. Ahmad Shiraz Cheema
What is PERT?
Project Evaluation and Review
Technique (PERT) is a procedure
through which activities of a project
are represented in its appropriate
sequence and timing. It is a
scheduling technique used to • A network-based scheduling
schedule, organize and integrate technique.
tasks within a project. PERT is • Developed in 1958 by the U.S. Navy
basically a mechanism for for the Polaris Missile Project.
management planning and control • Helps determine the expected project
which provides blueprint for a duration by incorporating uncertainty.
particular project. All of the primary • Considers three time estimates for
elements or events of a project have each task.
been finally identified by the PERT
When Do We Use PERT?
We use PERT for planning projects when we're not sure how
long tasks will take. It's helpful for new or complex projects.
PERT uses three time estimates (fastest, most likely, and
slowest) to figure out the expected time. It also shows which
tasks are most important to finish the project on time.
Three-Point Estimation & PERT
Formula
Suppose you have an activity with the following time
estimates:
• Optimistic Time (O): 4 days
• Most Likely Time (M): 7 days
• Pessimistic Time (P): 10 days
Using the PERT formula:
E = (O + (4 × M) + P) / 6
E = (4 + (4 × 7) + 10) / 6
So, E = 7 Days
PERT Chart – Visual Example
• Establish your numbered nodes
• Establish connections between nodes and
tasks
Dependency Types
The four main types of task dependencies are: Finish-to-Start (FS), Finish-to-Finish (FF),
Start-to-Start (SS), and Start-to-Finish (SF).
• Finish-to-Start (FS):
Task B cannot start until Task A is completed. This is the most common type of
dependency, indicating a direct sequence of tasks.
• Finish-to-Finish (FF):
Task B cannot finish until Task A is finished. This type of dependency suggests that two
tasks must be completed concurrently, and one must finish before the other can also finish.
• Start-to-Start (SS):
Task B cannot start until Task A starts. This dependency indicates that two tasks are linked
by their starting point, and one cannot begin until the other does.
• Start-to-Finish (SF):
Task B cannot finish until Task A starts. This dependency is less common and indicates that
one task's start impacts the completion of another.
FLOAT TYPES EXPLAINED
In PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), "float"
refers to the amount of time a task can be delayed without
affecting the project's overall completion date or delaying
subsequent tasks. There are two main types of float: Total
1.float
Total and Free float.
Float:
• The maximum amount of time a task can be delayed without
pushing the project's completion date beyond the planned
finish date.
• Total float is calculated by subtracting the task's latest finish
time (LF) from its earliest finish time (EF).
2. Free Float:
• The maximum amount of time a task can be delayed without
delaying the start of any of its successor tasks.
• Free float is calculated by subtracting the task's early finish
time (EF) from the earliest start time (ES) of its successor
CRITICAL PATH IN PERT
• Determine the critical path, which is the
longest sequence of tasks determining the
minimum project duration. Calculate the
expected time for each activity and determine
which tasks lie on this critical path.
• Calculate Critical Path means finding the
longest sequence of tasks that determines the
shortest time to complete the project. Identify
which tasks can’t be delayed without affecting
the overall project deadline, helping you focus
PERT vs CPM
Aspect PERT CPM
PERT stands for Project Evaluation and
Abbreviation CPM stands for Critical Path Method
Review Technique.
PERT is a technique of project CPM is a technique of project
management which is used to manage management which is used to manage
Definition
uncertain (i.e., time is not known) only certain (i.e., time is known)
activities of any project. activities of any project.
Model Type It is a probability model. It is a deterministic model
It majorly focuses on time as meeting It majorly focuses on Time-cost trade
Focus time target or estimation of percent off as minimizing cost is more
completion is more important. important.
It is appropriate for high precision time It is appropriate for reasonable time
Precision
estimation. estimation.
Nature of Job It has Non-repetitive nature of job. It has repetitive nature of job.
Gantt Chart vs PERT
Feature PERT Chart Gantt Chart
Visualize project tasks and
Purpose Schedule tasks over time
dependencies
Focus Task relationships and sequence Task duration and timeline
Network diagram with nodes and
Representation Horizontal bar chart
arrows
Includes optimistic, pessimistic,
Time Estimation Shows start and end dates
and most likely durations
More complex, suitable for large
Complexity Simpler, easier to read
projects
Adaptable for changing project
Flexibility Less flexible once established
Software Tools for PERT
Several software tools can be used to create PERT charts, including project
management software, diagramming tools, and even some online
platforms.
Popular choices include:
1.Lucidchart 2. Creately
Pros and Cons of PERT
PROS CONS
evaluate the time and resources
subjectivity of activity sequence
needed for activities
evaluate the sum requirements of bias of participants submitting
all activities simultaneously estimates reduces precision of data
improve interdepartmental resources of people and time
communication as part of data needed to collect estimates can be
gathering cost-prohibitive
CASE STUDY
Introduction
This case study demonstrates how TechInnovate used the Program
Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) to manage the development of
a new smart wearable device. PERT helped in addressing uncertainties
and coordinating multiple tasks.
Challenges
- Uncertainty in task durations due to the innovative nature of the project
- Multiple teams involved (hardware, software, marketing)
- Coordination across teams to prevent delays in one department from
affecting others
Implementing PERT: Implementing PERT:
Identifying Activities Estimating Time Durations
For each activity, three time estimates were
calculated:
The project was divided into discrete
activities like: - Optimistic Time (O): Best-case scenario
- Most Likely Time (M): Expected time
- Pessimistic Time (P): Worst-case scenario
- Concept design
Example for Hardware Testing:
- Prototype development O: 10 days
- Hardware testing M: 14 days
- Software integration P: 20 days
The expected time (E) was calculated using
- Market launch
the formula:
E = (O + 4M + P) / 6
PERT Chart: Visual Example
The PERT chart visualized the activities and their sequence.
Each task was represented by a node, and dependencies between tasks were shown by directed arrows.
This chart helped in understanding the project flow and task interdependencies.
Dependency Types
Four main types of task dependencies in PERT:
- Finish-to-Start (FS): Task B starts after Task A finishes
- Finish-to-Finish (FF): Task B finishes after Task A finishes
- Start-to-Start (SS): Task B starts after Task A starts
- Start-to-Finish (SF): Task B finishes after Task A starts
Critical Path & Float Types
- Critical Path: The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum time to complete
the project
- Total Float: Time a task can be delayed without affecting project completion
- Free Float: Time a task can be delayed without delaying successor tasks
PERT Table for TechInnovate Smart Wearable Device Project
Activity Optimistic Most Likely Pessimistic Expected Time Dependencies
Time (O) Time (M) Time (P) (E)
Concept 5 days 8 days 12 days 8.33 days None
Design
Prototype 7 days 10 days 15 days 10.83 days Concept
Development Design
Hardware 10 days 14 days 20 days 14.67 days Prototype
Testing
Software 8 days 12 days 16 days 12.00 days Prototype
Integration
Marketing 4 days 6 days 9 days 6.17 days Software
Preparation Integration
Product 2 days 3 days 5 days 3.33 days Marketing
Launch Preparation
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Project Evaluation and Review
Technique (PERT) is a valuable tool for effective
project management. It helps teams visualize the
sequence of tasks, understand dependencies, and
identify the critical path for timely project
completion. By using PERT, organizations can
improve planning, resource allocation, and overall
project success, ensuring that goals are met
efficiently and effectively.
