Gantt charts and PERT charts are popular project management tools. In this article, we explain their differences and similarities, as well as when to use them. Plus, you can learn their connection to the critical path method. Included on this page, you can find a comparison of the two types of chart, how to decide which works best for your needs, and an example project represented in both PERT and Gantt charts.

1. Pert and ganttchart
1.1. PRESENTED BY- MR.YOGESH A. DENGALE

2. INTRODUCTION
PERT was developed in the late 1950 in the US the Polaris submarine missile
programme. It has the potential to reduce both the time &cost require to
complete a project.
PERT shows the time taken by each component of project &the total time
required for its completion. PERT breaks down the project into events, activity
&lays down their proper sequence relationship &duration in the form of
network.
PERT is a technique of representing project plan in network. This is represented
in a graphic from known as network diagram.

3. DEFINITION
The program (or project) evaluation and review technique, commonly
abbreviated PERT, is a statistical tool, used in project management, which was
designed to analyze and represent the tasks involved in completing a given
project &to illustrate the flow of events in a project.

4. TYPES
There are two types of network diagrams,
Activity on arrow(AOA) –
In the first variant the duration is denoted on arrow connecting diagram nodes.
Suchdiagram type called AOA.
Activity on node(AON)-
In such diagram the information about the task duration is denoted in the
diagram node &each task is represented in the form of rectangle with definite
set of fields.

5. NEED OFPERT
Prediction of deliverables
Planning resource requirement
Controlling resource allocation
Internal programme review
Performance evaluation
Uniform wide acceptance
Reduction in cost
Saving time

6. Determination of activities
Elimination of risk in complex activities
Flexibility
Evaluation of alternatives
Useful effective control
Useful decision making
Useful research work

7. PERT planning involve the following steps:
Determine the proper sequence of the activities
Construct a networkdiagram
Estimate the time require for each activity
Determine the critical path
Identity the specific activity &events

8. 1.Identity Activities &events:
The activities are tasks require to complete the project. The events marking
the beginning &end of one or more activities. It is helpful to list the tasks in a
table that in later steps can be expanded to include on sequence is duration.

9. 2.Determine the proper sequence of the activities :
This steps may be combine with the activity identification steps since the
activity sequence is event for some task. Other tasks may require more
analysis to determine exact order in which they must be perform.

10. 3.Construct a network diagram :
Using the activity sequence information , a network diagram can be drawn
showing the sequence of the serial is &parallel activities .For the original
activity –on-are model, the activities are depicted by arrowed lines &
milestones are depicted bycircles.

11. 4.Estimate the time required for activity :
A distinguishing feature of PERT is its ability to deal with uncertainty in
activity completion times

12. For each activity , the model usually includes three time estimates;-
Optimistic time:
Generally the shortest time in which the activity can be completed .
Most likely time:
The completion time having the highest probability note that this time is
different for the expectedtime.
Pessimistic time :
The longest time that an activity might require.

13. Determine the critical path :
The critical path is determine by adding the times for the activities in each
sequence &determining the longest path in project. The critical path
determines the total timerequire.

14. Update the PERT chart as the project progresses :
Make adjustment in the PERT chart as the project progresses. As the project
unfolds ,the estimated times can be replaced with actual times. The PERT chart
may be modified &improved to reflect the new situation.

15. ADVANTAGES
Simple to understand anduse.
Show whether the project is on schedule; or behind /ahead of the schedule.
Identify the activities that need closer attention
Determine the flexibility available withactivities
Show potential risk withactivities
Provide good documentation of the project activities
Help to set priorities among activities &resource allocation as per priority

16. APPLICATION
Used in research and development projects
For developing, tooling and introducing a new project
To plan and execute the acquisition and installation of an electronic system
Development and administration of various training programmes
For management development and organizational planning

17. LIMITATION
A major disadvantages of PERT has been its emphasis only on time, not on
costs.
The cost of setting up such system are extensive
It is difficult to estimate accurate time &cost of various activities involved in a
project Errors in estimation makes the PERT charts, unreliable as a control aid.
These systems will not help managers to solve all their problem.