notes for wk2
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South University, Savannah *
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Course
6012
Subject
Industrial Engineering
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
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2
Uploaded by AMK2811970
1. Describe the Critical Path Using the CPM Approach
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a step-by-step project management technique for process
planning that defines critical and non-critical tasks. The critical path is the longest stretch of dependent
tasks and represents the shortest time in which a project can be completed. Tasks on the critical path
cannot be delayed without affecting the project's completion time.
2. Analyze the Estimated Completion Time Using the CPM Approach
CPM estimates the completion time by identifying the longest path of planned activities to the
end of the project and the earliest and latest that each activity can start and finish without making the
project longer. This method assumes that the duration of each task is known with certainty.
3. Analyze the Estimated Completion Time Using the PERT Approach
PERT is similar to CPM but incorporates uncertainty by using three time estimates for each
activity: the most optimistic time (O), the most likely time (M), and the most pessimistic time (P). The
estimated completion time for each task is calculated using the PERT formula: \text{Expected Time} = \
frac{(O + 4M + P)}{6} . This approach results in a probabilistic time estimate rather than a single,
deterministic timeline as in CPM.
4. Assess Why the Estimated Completion Times Are Not Identical in the Two Approaches
The main reason for the difference in estimated completion times between CPM and PERT is
how they handle uncertainty and risk. CPM assumes a fixed time estimate for each task, making it
deterministic. In contrast, PERT accounts for uncertainty and variability in task duration, making it
probabilistic. This difference can lead to variations in the overall project timeline.
5. Appropriateness of CPM vs. PERT
- **CPM Approach:** More suitable for projects where task durations are predictable and well-
defined. It's often used in construction projects or projects with similar tasks that have been done before
and have reliable time estimates.
- **PERT Approach:** Better for projects with high levels of uncertainty and where task
durations are difficult to estimate. It's often used in research and development projects, where the time
needed to complete tasks is not well-known.
In conclusion, choosing between CPM and PERT depends on the nature of the project,
particularly the predictability of task durations. For projects with well-defined tasks, CPM is typically
more appropriate. In contrast, for projects where uncertainty or high risk is involved, PERT is often the
better choice.
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