Network Techniques Source: Monitoring & Evaluations, Overview of Methods & Techniques
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Date
2001-08-20
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Abstract
Network technique is by far the most popular method, providing a comprehensive analysis of Project Management. The heart of network-based planning methods, is a graphical portrayal of the plan for carrying out the programme. Such a graph shows the precedence relationship, i.e. the dependencies of the programme's activities leading to the end objective. This graph is termed Network. This concept has been developed in an evolutionary way over many years. (Moder and Phillips, 1970). The Critical Path Method (CPM) was developed by Dupont in the late 1950s, mostly for use in construction projects. On the other hand, Programme Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) was developed in 1958 as part of the U.S. Navy's Polaris submarine development programme, and is used in Research and Development projects (Sachdeva, 1991).
Description
CPM and PERT are network-based project management techniques used for planning, scheduling, and controlling projects. While CPM uses a single time estimate and focuses on cost-time trade-offs, PERT employs three time estimates and is more time-focused. CPM is activity-oriented and common in construction, whereas PERT is event-oriented and used in R&D. Both use networks with events (nodes) and activities (arrows), aiding in project visualization and execution.
Keywords
CPM (Critical Path Method), PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), Scheduling, Planning, Precedence Relationship, Critical Path
Citation
Santhanam, M. L. (2001). Network Techniques Source: Monitoring & Evaluations, Overview of Methods & Techniques.