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PERT Analysis

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a method used to examine the tasks in a schedule and determine a Critical Path Method variation (CPM). It analyzes the time required to complete each task and its associated dependencies to determine the minimum time to complete a project. It estimates the shortest possible time each activity will take, the most likely length of time, and the longest time that might be taken if the activity takes longer than expected. PERT Analysis informs Program Managers and project personnel on the project’s tasks and the estimated amount of time required to complete each task. By utilizing this information a Program Manager will be able to estimate the minimum amount of time required to complete the entire project. This helps in the creation of more realistic schedules and cost estimates.

How to Conduct a PERT Analysis

To conduct PERT Analysis, three-time estimates are obtained (optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely) for every activity along the Critical Path. Then use those estimates in the formula below to calculate how much time for each project stage: 

Formula: (P+4M+O)/6

  • Optimistic Time (O): the minimum possible time required to accomplish a task, assuming everything proceeds better than is normally expected.
  • Pessimistic Time (P): the maximum possible time required to accomplish a task, assuming everything goes wrong (excluding major catastrophes).
  • Most likely Time (M): the best estimate of the time required to accomplish a task, assuming everything proceeds as normal.

                                    Example of the three-time estimates



Example of a Critical Path Nodal Diagram

 Definition Critical Path: The longest path of scheduled activities that must be met to execute a project.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PERT Analysis

Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing PERT analysis will give program managers and project personnel a better understanding of the realities of their schedules. It takes an experienced program manager to truly utilize the benefits a PERT analysis can provide a project team.

  • Advantages: Provides Program Managers information to evaluate time and resources on a project. It helps give them the necessary information to make informed decisions and set a realistic schedule.
  • Disadvantages: The analysis can be highly subjective and be influenced a few outspoken team members. It also required a lot of time to continually update the analysis as a program progresses.


Anurag Rana

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