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Program Evaluation Review Technique (PERT)

The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a method used to plan and manage complex projects. Created by the United States Navy's Special Projects Office in the 1950s to manage the Polaris nuclear submarine project, PERT charts are the standard way of visualizing project timelines, milestones, and dependencies.

A PERT chart is used to graphically analyze how a project should progress based on a given timeline and budget. It works by laying out a series of tasks and connecting them with arrows that signify dependencies and order of completion. Each task is represented by a node on the chart, with the information of task duration, expected cost, and due date recorded. Once the chart is created, it can be used to determine the most efficient way to complete the project in the least amount of time and budget.

PERT charts are useful because they allow managers to analyze each individual task on the project and identify areas that need improvement. By understanding the relationships between tasks and their activities, managers can determine which tasks have to be completed before beginning another, and which ones are costly and can be improved. With this analysis, it is much easier to rearrange timelines and manage resources to complete the project faster and more cost-effectively.

PERT charts are particularly useful for complex projects with multiple intersecting paths and tasks. With them, managers can track and monitor the progress of the project in an organized way. This also allows them to easily identify problems and make adjustments. Overall, PERT charts help managers ensure that their projects are completed on time and according to plan.

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