Critical Method Vs PERT Method

Apart from the Critical Path Method, there is another method called Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) which you can use to schedule your project. The main difference between the two is CPM is mainly based on the deterministic approach to finding critical paths. On the other hand, PERT is a probabilistic method that defines the sequence of tasks using the probable time. It has three measures namely Most probable, optimistic, and pessimistic to find the duration of tasks. The following table highlights the key difference between the CPM and PERT method.

Parameters

CPM

PERT

Definition

It is a Deterministic approach with a single-time estimate.

It is a Deterministic approach with a single-time estimate.

Focus on

It has Limited emphasis on handling uncertainty.

It addresses uncertainty through a weighted average formula.

Identifies

CPM identifies float as the time difference between early and late start times.

It considers float but often focuses more on the critical path for project control.

Suitable for

It is well-suited for projects with well-defined activities and limited uncertainty.

This method is preferred for projects with high uncertainty and complex, non-repetitive tasks.

Approach type

It is a simple approach.

It is more complex with the statistical analysis and probability distributions.

What is Critical Path in Project Management?

If you are facing challenges in identifying the Critical Path in your Project, you have found the perfect guide. This article covers every insight on the Critical Path, the method to find it along with importance. By the end of this guide, you will be able to easily find the Critical Path to manage your project activities.

Table of Content

  • What is the Critical Path Method?
  • Benefits of Using Critical Path Method in Project Management
  • Steps to Find Critical Path in Project
  • Critical Path Method Example
  • Critical Method Vs PERT Method
  • CPM Success Story
  • Case Study: Real-World Application of Critical Path Analysis
  • Challenges and Limitations
  • Conclusion
  • FAQs

Project Managers often find it challenging to accurately determine the tasks and activities for executing the project plan. This is important not only for meeting the stakeholder expectations but also for managing the project quality from the end-users perspective. However, planning these activities can be done in more than one way. Or, we can say there are multiple paths for the project tasks.

But out of these, which path is Critical for our Project? In this article, we will learn about the Critical Path, one of the most important topics of Project Management. So, let us get started without any delay.

Similar Reads

What is the Critical Path Method?

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is the process of finding the Critical Path in our Project. It includes identifying the tasks and activities, estimating their completion time, and then finding the longest sequence of tasks....

Benefits of using Critical Path Method in Project Management

Once we find the Critical Path, we do not need to further worry about the Project tasks, deliverables, and timelines. We just have to focus on the execution of the tasks by utilizing the allocated resources. Moreover, it helps us to deliver the required business value to the stakeholders by focusing on the key activities. Other than this, the following points tell us about Critical Path’s benefits....

Steps to find Critical Path in Project

Step 1: Identify All Tasks...

Critical Path Method Example

The definition of the ‘Critical Path’ completely aligns with its name as it outlines the set of activities that are crucial for the Project. Let us understand this using an example. Suppose we have to organize a Workshop on Project Management....

Critical Method Vs PERT Method

Apart from the Critical Path Method, there is another method called Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) which you can use to schedule your project. The main difference between the two is CPM is mainly based on the deterministic approach to finding critical paths. On the other hand, PERT is a probabilistic method that defines the sequence of tasks using the probable time. It has three measures namely Most probable, optimistic, and pessimistic to find the duration of tasks. The following table highlights the key difference between the CPM and PERT method....

CPM Success Story

At present, the CPM method is used in managing projects related to different industries. However, its success story dates back to the years 1931-1936 during the construction of Hoover Dam....

Case Study: Real-World Application of Critical Path Analysis

The core part of the Critical Path Analysis involves creating an accurate project schedule so that the flow of execution remains smooth. There are various examples in which the Critical Path Analysis proved its utility. Following are the real-world applications in which CPM was used as the main tool to manage the project....

Challenges and Limitations

CPM is easier to implement, but every crucial concept in Project Management may have some challenges. These need to be tackled while using it to manage our project. Let us discuss these challenges and limitations so that we can easily overcome them....

Conclusion

The Critical Path is the longest sequence of tasks but with the minimum completion time. Hence, it is important to efficiently schedule the project activities. It focuses not only on the essential tasks but also on the non-critical tasks. This allows the project managers to manage the timelines according to the priority of the task and evaluate the impact of delaying the task. We hope that you have gained a clear understanding of Critical Path in Project Management and how to find it. You are now able to adopt the proper sequence of tasks in your project....

FAQs

1. What is the difference between the Gantt Chart and the CPM Method?...

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