CPM and PERT are network analysis techniques used to plan, manage, and control projects. CPM was developed by DuPont in the 1950s for chemical plant projects, using deterministic activity times. PERT was developed by the US Navy for the Polaris missile program, using probabilistic time estimates to account for uncertainty. Both techniques involve representing project activities as nodes and arrows on a network diagram to show precedence relationships and calculate the critical path. CPM/PERT allow project managers to estimate completion dates, monitor schedule and budget, and identify critical activities in order to finish projects on time and within budget.