What does the critical path in a PERT chart represent?
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A PERT chart, also known as a PERT diagram, is a tool used to schedule, organize, and map out tasks within a project. PERT stands for program evaluation and review technique. It provides a visual representation of a project's timeline and breaks down individual tasks. These charts are similar to Gantt charts, but structured differently. This diagram consists of a few steps to get you from a project start date to end date. In this article, we’ll cover the five steps, show you an example, and explain how to effectively use a PERT chart to your advantage. How a PERT chart worksA PERT chart works by visually representing a project’s tasks and the dependencies connected to each one. You might use one to create an initial schedule and estimated timeline to share with project stakeholders before the project actually begins. Creating a project roadmap such as a PERT chart can help you accomplish several project planning activities, including:
In order to make the most of your PERT chart, you should first understand the steps needed to complete one and how to visually map out your diagram. How to make a PERT chartTo create a PERT chart, follow the five steps of the process lifecycle, which includes everything from identifying tasks to managing project completion. 1. Identify project tasksThe first step in creating a successful PERT chart involves identifying and collecting necessary project information and tasks. You can begin the project planning phase similar to how you’d typically start the initial project management phase. This can include:
Early planning ensures that you’re prepared to defined dependencies and connect tasks during the next phases. Free meeting agenda template 2. Define task dependenciesA task dependency is a task or milestone that relies on another task to be completed before the task at hand can be started. This is sometimes referred to as a logical relationship and is often used in a work breakdown structure. Creating dependencies can help you properly track work, ensure tasks are completed, and establish clear communication. For complex projects, plan timelines and project duration properly ahead of time. In a PERT diagram, dependencies are visualized by connecting and numbering tasks. While not as comprehensive as other methods like a work breakdown structure, it helps to show a high-level visualization of tasks and the work needed to complete them. Read: 12 tips to effective communication in the workplace3. Connect project tasksOnce task dependencies have been created, you can work on creating your PERT chart by connecting project tasks to one another. These connections consist of arrows, which represent tasks, and nodes, which represent events or milestones. For example, place parent events within your nodes (represented as numbered circles or squares) and draw task arrows to represent the dependencies needed to complete your events. This layout provides a simple project structure that, while not overly specific, is easily comprehensible for project stakeholders. 4. Estimate project time frameNow it’s time to estimate your overall project time frame using the critical path method (CPM) and the PERT formula. The critical path is the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed to successfully finish a project. The objective is to find the longest path that will take the most time to complete in order to estimate the shortest overall project duration. Time estimates can be calculated based on the following:
You can use the PERT formula to calculate the expected duration of a task and completion time using: (O + (4 × M) + P) ÷ 6. This can be measured by minutes, hours, days, or even weeks. For example, if the optimistic time is 30 minutes, the pessimistic time is 60 minutes, and the most likely time is 45 minutes, the PERT formula would be: (30min + (4 × 45min) + 60min) ÷ 6 = 45 minutes. Once you’ve calculated the expected time per task, you can then add each of the estimates of your critical path together to get an average project timeline. 5. Manage task progressThe final step in creating a PERT chart is to manage task progress to project completion. This can be done by closing dependencies and mitigating issues along the way until all tasks are completed. Remember that a PERT diagram should be updated throughout the project as changes occur. This could be paired with a change control process, which helps map and communicate project changes. Once all tasks within the project have been completed, you can archive materials in a shared space to be referred to later on if needed. Read: Why a clear communication plan is more important than you thinkPERT chart exampleNow that you understand the five steps of a PERT chart, it’s time to create one of your own. Since all diagrams differ depending on the complexity and time frame of a given project, yours might look slightly different. To start your chart, begin by:
Here’s an example of what your PERT chart should look like: Here is a breakdown of common terminology you may include in your PERT chart and the definition for each:
PERT charts can be created using a variety of tools, including project management software. Tools can help you properly plan, visualize, and set up task dependencies and reminders in order to track project progress and easily spot bottlenecks. Read: 3 Visual Project Management Layouts (and How to Use Them)When to use a PERT ChartProject managers use PERT charts to evaluate and complete a given project. But with so many other methods to choose from, how does a PERT diagram compare? For starters, a PERT chart is a good method when you’re looking to evaluate the timeline, resources needed, and a project’s critical path. Let’s look at each of these a little closer.
Overall, creating a PERT chart is a good option for a simple project plan that can easily be shared with team members. Use this chart to quickly share resources and timelines. PERT chart vs Gantt chartPERT charts and Gantt charts are often confused, though they have a few key differences. Not only do they differ in their visual appearance, but they also provide different features depending on what your team needs. Here are a few key features to note when deciding on which one is right for you:
In general, Gantt charts are more popular for mapping out project tasks throughout the project lifecycle while PERT charts are popular for time mapping in the initial project stages. They can be used separately or together to create a comprehensive plan. Plan ahead with a PERT chartBy implementing a PERT diagram of your own, you can be sure your next project is planned accurately and correctly. With a simple layout and timeline estimates, your team will have clear direction on project tasks and be prepared for whatever comes their way. If you’re looking to take your next project one step further, try Timeline with Asana for project tracking capabilities. Map project timelines with Asana Is PERT chart the same as critical path?The main difference between PERT and Critical Path is knowing how long a given task will take. With PERT, task durations are variable, hence the need to predict time using a model. Critical Path is more useful for projects where task length is easy to predict, such as a construction project or a large conference.
What is the purpose of a critical path chart?A critical path analysis shows the sequence of scheduled tasks that determine the duration of a project. A critical path analysis identifies which tasks you must complete in order to meet your project deadline.
What does the critical path in project network diagram indicate?The critical path is the longest path of the network diagram. The activities in the critical path have an effect on the deadline of the project. If an activity of this path is delayed, the project will be delayed.
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