Question

In project planning, the activity durations are calculated by PERT and CPM techniques assuming:

• A. PERT: probabilistic, CPM: deterministic
• B. PERT: probabilistic, CPM: probabilistic
• C. PERT: deterministic, CPM: probabilistic
• D. PERT: deterministic, CPM: deterministic

Hint:

Use PERT when dealing with high uncertainty in project activities. Use CPM when time estimates are well-known and fixed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are widely used for project scheduling and management. They differ fundamentally in their assumptions about activity durations:

• PERT assumes activity durations are uncertain and hence adopts a probabilistic approach, using three estimates: optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely.
• CPM, on the other hand, assumes activity durations are certain and follows a deterministic approach, with a single fixed time estimate.

Therefore, the correct answer is: PERT: probabilistic, CPM: deterministic.