PERT is a project management tool that can be used to plan, schedule, and measure work. It is an acronym for Program Evaluation and Review Technique. CPM is an acronym for Critical Path Method. The CPM can be used to calculate the time required to complete tasks in a project, based on their dependencies on one another. PERT and CPM are two of the most popular project management tools in use today when it comes to scheduling and measuring work.

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Difference Between PERT and CPM
Introduction
A project is a series of interconnected actions with a clear beginning and end point that result
in a distinct product. That implies projects aren't the same every time. If you work in civil
engineering or construction, you've probably heard of PERT and CPM. PERT and CPM are
required knowledge for project planning and control as well. They are now commonly utilized
in major development projects for project planning and control. As a result, this article will
provide you with a thorough understanding of PERT and CPM.
PERT
PERT stands for Program Project Evaluation and Review Technique, and it describes how to
plan, schedule, organize, coordinate, and regulate unpredictable operations. The approach
examines and depicts the tasks necessary to finish a project in order to determine the shortest
time to perform each job and the shortest time to complete the whole project. In the late
1950s, it was created. Its goal is to cut the project's time and expense in half.
The initiative is divided into events and activities in PERT. The network is constructed when an
appropriate sequence has been discovered. The time for each job is then computed, and a
route is established.
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2. The PERT approach, in particular, is useful when dealing with unexpected activities in a project
since it compensates for potential uncertainties. This is accomplished by managing the risks in
such a way that the project's timeline is not impacted.
PERT makes use of time as a variable to indicate the anticipated resource application as well as
performance requirements. First and foremost, the project is separated into activities and
events using this method. Following that, the correct sequence is determined, and a network is
built. The critical route ﴾the longest path linking all the events﴿ is then found by calculating the
time required for each activity.
CPM ﴾Critical Path Method﴿
The Critical Path Method ﴾CPM﴿, which was established in the 1950s, is an algorithm for project
planning, organizing, scheduling, coordinating, and regulating. It is assumed that the activity
time is provided and fixed in this approach. It determines the earliest and latest start times for
each activity.
To save time and eliminate queue building in the process, the process distinguishes between
critical and non‐critical tasks. The rationale for identifying important tasks is that if any one of
them is delayed, the whole process would suffer. As a result, it's known as the Critical Path
Method ﴾CPM﴿.
The CPM approach is highly recommended for projects with predictable activity, such as home
building. The method determines the earliest and latest probable start dates for each project
activity.
In this technique, a list of all the activities necessary to accomplish a project is first created,
followed by the calculation of the time required to perform each activity. The dependencies
between the activities are then determined. A 'path' in this context is defined as a series of
actions in a network. The essential route is the one that is the longest.
Key Difference Between PERT and CPM
PERT
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3. PERT is a probabilistic model with activity duration uncertainty. t0, tp, and tm are used to compute
It's a method based on events.
Network diagram, event, and slack are all terms used in PERT language.
Network diagram, event, and slack are all terms used in PERT language.
The usage of dummy activities is essential in order to show accurate sequencing.
PERT doesn't make a distinction between critical and non‐critical operations.
In projects where resources are constantly accessible, PERT is used.
PERT is useful in defense projects and R&D when activity time is unpredictable.
Related Questions
1﴿. What is the most significant difference between PERT
and CPM charts?
The primary distinction between PERT and CPM is that PERT emphasizes time management and
planning to complete the project as soon as feasible. CPM emphasizes timing and budgeting,
which helps complete the project on schedule and under budget.
2﴿. Where are PERT and CPM used?
PERT ﴾Program Evaluation and Review Technique﴿ was first used to construct submarines with
Polaris missile launchers. The yearly maintenance tasks at an oil and chemical refinery were
managed using CPM ﴾the Critical Path Method﴿.
3﴿. What is the purpose of PERT and CPM?
A project management planning method called the Program Evaluation Review Technique
﴾PERT﴿ estimates how long it will take to complete a project. Project tasks are planned using
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4. PERT charts, which makes it simpler to organize and manage team members.
The yearly maintenance tasks at an oil and chemical refinery were managed using CPM ﴾the
Critical Path Method﴿.
4﴿. What are the advantages of PERT and CPM?
PERT charts don't need to reflect your project's accurate dates since they are often used before
a project starts to plan and estimate how long each activity will take. Additionally, they better
demonstrate whether particular activities must be carried out in a specific sequence or if they
may be completed concurrently.
Project managers may rely on the critical route technique when planning their time and
resource allocation. The benefits of CPM include increased scheduling flexibility and accuracy,
more significant stakeholder and project management communication, and simpler work
prioritization.
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