A simplified method of evaluating PERT/CPM network parameters

Author

Zhu, Zhiwei ; Heady, Ronald B.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Manage. & Quantitative Methods, Univ. of Southwestern Louisiana, Lafayette, LA, USA

Volume

41

Issue

4

fYear

1994

fDate

11/1/1994 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

426

Lastpage

430

Abstract

A simplified method of finding PERT/CPM critical paths, project durations, and slack times is described. This method is not a replacement for the standard computer algorithms. Instead, it offers a simple procedure for manually finding the critical project parameters that is suitable for teaching the principles to both technical and nontechnical users. It combines the best aspects of existing methods to form a tabular method that maintains a visual component. Experience shows that it is sufficiently intuitive that it can be learned without the need for an instructor, even though it is rigorously founded on the principle of optimality. A computer code is included to further illustrate the method

Keywords

PERT; critical path analysis; engineering computing; project management; simulation; PERT; PERT/CPM critical paths; PERT/CPM network parameters; computer code; critical path method; critical project parameters; nontechnical users; project durations; slack times; teaching; technical users; Computer networks; Education; Engineering management; Helium; Production; Project management; Research and development management;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Engineering Management, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9391

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/17.364568

Filename

364568