Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)

In the critical path method of scheduling projects, the duration of each activity is usually defined with a reasonable degree of certainty.   For some projects, it may be difficult to estimate a reasonable single duration for one more of the activities in the project schedule. The Program Evaluation and Review Technique or PERT method of project scheduling, uses three durations for each activity and the fundamental statistics to determine the probability of a project finishing earlier or later than expected.   Although the PERT method is not used extensively in engineering and construction projects, it provides valuable information for assessing the risks of a schedule slippage in a project.… Read the rest

Project Planning and Scheduling

Project planning is the process of identifying all the activities necessary to successfully complete the project.   Project scheduling is the process of determining the sequential order of the planned activities, assigning realistic duration’s to each activity, and determining the start and finish dates for each activity.   Thus, project planning is a prerequisite to project scheduling because there is no way to determine the sequence or start and finish dates of activities until they are identified.

Techniques for Project Planning and Scheduling

The technique used for project planning and scheduling will vary depending upon the project’s size, complexity, duration, personnel, and owner requirements.  … Read the rest

What is Project Management?

A project is an endeavor that is undertaken to produce the results that are expected from the requesting party. A project consists of three components namely, scope, cost and schedule.     When a project is first assigned to a project manager it is important that all three of these components be clearly defined.   Scope represents the work to be accomplished, i.e., the quantity and quality of work.   Cost refers to costs, measured in dollars and /or labor-hours of work.   Schedule refers to the logical sequencing and timing of the work to be performed.   The quality of a project must meet the owner’s satisfaction and is an integral part of project management, which is shown as an equilateral triangle to represent an important principle of project management: a balance is necessary between the scope, budget, and schedule.… Read the rest

History and Development of Project Management

A project is a temporary endeavor to create a unique product, service or result. The temporary nature of projects creates a defining beginning and end. Project management is the application of knowledge, skills and tools and techniques to project activities to meet the project requirement. Project is accomplished through appropriate application and integration of different process groups.

A project fills an essential need in society. Indeed, projects are the major mode in which change is accomplished. It is the mode in which corporate strategy is implemented, business change is addressed, productive teams and their necessary competencies are dealt with, quality of deliverables, and tracking pre-established metrics for management’s decision making, as well as closing out a project and creating lessons learned are performed.… Read the rest