What is PERT?
PERT stands for Project Evaluation and Review Technique. It is a statistical technique used by organizations to achieve efficient project planning and scheduling. It works by estimating the time required to complete a particular activity.
PERT focuses on getting events done on a strict schedule. Thus it is an event-oriented technique that aims to complete a particular project within a deadline.
The most important part of the PERT technique is meeting milestones. It’s more of a probabilistic model.
To work according to a PERT chart, you must first note down the various tasks needed to complete a project. Write them in the correct order and also note the duration of each task. Next, you create a network using arrows to represent activities. Find out the critical path and possible slack.
The advantages of using PERT in project management are-
- It makes project planning more efficient.
- Managers can define a definite completion date.
What is CPM?
CPM stands for Critical Path Method. In this method, you first identify the most critical path or activity that must be given utmost importance to complete a particular project.
CPM helps you identify the most important tasks in the project and thus allocate due time duration to complete them.
The following are the benefits of using CPM-
- It allows you to set clear priorities. Thus you know which tasks are most urgent and most important.
- Once you are the most important task, other dependent activities become easier to complete; since you have figured out
Once you have determined the critical path, allocate more resources to speed up its activities. Thus, CPM also helps in the efficient management of resources.
Difference Between PERT and CPM
The project Evaluation and Review Technique is a technique used for projects where we don’t know the time that will be required to complete a different task. The critical Path Method is a technique used for projects where we know the time required to complete the project.
PERT is an event-oriented technique where the network is designed based on the event. CPM is an activity-oriented technique where the plan is laid out based on activities.
PERT comes to the rescue when we have to manage uncertain project activities, and CPM is used to manage predictable or known project activities. PERT is a probabilistic model, CPM is a deterministic mode
PERT uses three-time estimates to find a range for the duration of activity- 1. Most likely estimate 2. Optimistic 3. Pessimistic. CPM uses a one-time estimate.
PERT is suitable for high-precision time estimation. CPM is suitable for reasonable time estimation.
PERT is best for research and developmental project. CPM is best used for a construction project.
In PERT, there is no chance of crashing because there is no certainty of time. In CPM, there are chances of crashing since there is a time foundation.
Comparison Between PERT and CPM
| Parameters of Comparison | PERT | CPM |
| Definition | The project Evaluation and Review Technique is a technique used for projects where we don’t know the time that will be required to complete different tasks. | The critical Path Method is a technique used for projects where we know the time required to complete the project. |
| Orientation | Event oriented. | Activity oriented. |
| Model | Probabilistic model | Deterministic model |
| Estimates | Three-time estimates | One-time estimates |
| Use | Suitable for high precision time estimation. | Suitable for reasonable time estimation. |
| Best for | Research and developmental project. | It is best for a construction project. |
| Other features | There is no chance of crashing. | There are chances of crashing. |