The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management method that helps in planning and scheduling projects, particularly those with high uncertainty and complexity. To use PERT to your advantage, follow these steps:
· Identify the Scope and Objectives:
o Clearly define the project’s scope and objectives. Understand what needs to be achieved and why.
· Identify Key Activities:
o Break down the project into a list of specific activities or tasks that need to be completed. Ensure that each activity is well-defined, has a clear start and finish, and is necessary for project success.
· Determine Activity Dependencies:
o Identify the logical relationships between activities. Determine which tasks are dependent on others and establish the sequence in which they must be performed. Use terms like Finish-to-Start (FS), Start-to-Start (SS), Finish-to-Finish (FF), or Start-to-Finish (SF) to describe dependencies.
· Estimate Activity Durations:
o Estimate the time required to complete each activity. Use historical data, expert judgment, or other relevant information to make these estimates. Express durations in consistent units (e.g., days, weeks).
· Identify Uncertain Activities:
o Identify activities with high uncertainty, variability, or risk. These are typically activities that may have a wide range of possible durations.
· Create a Network Diagram:
o Use the activity sequence and duration estimates to create a network diagram (PERT chart or diagram). This diagram illustrates the flow of activities and their dependencies.
· Calculate Expected Duration:
o For each activity with uncertainty, calculate the expected duration using the PERT formula:
o Expected Duration (TE) = (Optimistic + 4 x Most Likely + Pessimistic) / 6
· Identify the Critical Path:
o Perform a PERT analysis to determine the critical path, which represents the longest path through the project network and indicates the minimum time needed to complete the project.
o Calculate the expected duration for each path in the network.
o Identify the path(s) with the longest total expected duration as the critical path(s).
o Activities on the critical path have zero float or slack, meaning any delay will delay the project’s completion.
· Assess Risk and Contingencies:
o Review the critical path and other paths for risk factors. Develop contingency plans for managing potential risks or delays, especially for critical path activities.
· Schedule Development:
o Use the PERT analysis to create a project schedule, considering the expected durations, dependencies, and critical path activities.
· Resource Allocation:
o Allocate resources, including personnel and materials, based on the project schedule. Ensure that critical path activities receive appropriate attention and resources.
· Monitoring and Control:
o Continuously monitor the project’s progress, comparing actual durations to expected durations. If deviations occur, take corrective actions to keep the project on track.
· Scenario Analysis:
o Use PERT to conduct “what-if” scenario analysis. Explore how changes in activity durations or resource allocation affect the project’s critical path and completion date.
By following these steps and leveraging the PERT technique, you can better plan, manage, and control projects with inherent uncertainty and complexity. PERT provides a structured approach to handling uncertainty and allows project managers to make informed decisions to keep projects on schedule and within scope.