Which of the following is a correct statement about PERT and CPM technique?
A. Both the techniques use similar technology and same purpose.
B. Both the techniques were developed dependently of each other during 2005.
C. PERT was developed and used in conjunction with planning and designing of the Polaris submarine system.
D. CPM was developed by the Du Pont Company.
E. The use of PERT and CPM techniques is made in both planning and controlling of the project.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Correct Answer: D — A, C, D, E only
Explanation:
The correct answer is D: A, C, D, E only.
Key Points:
Both PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are network-based project management techniques that aim to plan, schedule, and control complex projects. While PERT focuses on time estimation for uncertain tasks, CPM deals with tasks having a deterministic time frame. Despite this difference, both share similar technology and objectives. (A)
PERT was developed in the late 1950s by the U.S. Navy for managing the Polaris missile submarine program. It was designed to handle uncertain activity durations effectively. (C)
CPM was developed independently by Du Pont Company and Remington Rand in 1957. It was created to optimize project schedules by focusing on the longest path of tasks (critical path) with known, fixed durations. (D)
Both PERT and CPM are widely used for project planning to ensure timely project completion and resource optimization. They also aid in monitoring and controlling project progress, identifying delays, and reallocating resources effectively. (E)
Statement B is incorrect because both techniques were developed independently of each other in the late 1950s, not in 2005.
Additional Information:
PERT is event-oriented and used for projects with uncertain durations; CPM is activity-oriented and used for projects with predictable durations.
PERT uses three time estimates (optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely), whereas CPM uses a single fixed time estimate for each task.
