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CPM & Pert

The document provides a comprehensive analysis of CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), two essential project management methodologies used for planning and scheduling. CPM is deterministic and focuses on time optimization, while PERT is probabilistic and accounts for uncertainty in activity durations. Both methodologies are crucial in civil engineering for enhancing project management efficiency and ensuring successful outcomes.

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ALVARO MIGUEL LORENZO MORILLO
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24 views6 pages

CPM & Pert

The document provides a comprehensive analysis of CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), two essential project management methodologies used for planning and scheduling. CPM is deterministic and focuses on time optimization, while PERT is probabilistic and accounts for uncertainty in activity durations. Both methodologies are crucial in civil engineering for enhancing project management efficiency and ensuring successful outcomes.

Uploaded by

ALVARO MIGUEL LORENZO MORILLO
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1

DAY O4

CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review
Technique): Comprehensive Analysis

Project management involves a plethora of methodologies to ensure tasks are completed


within scope, time, and budget. Among these methodologies, CPM (Critical Path Method)
and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) stand out as two vital tools. Both are
extensively used in civil engineering and other industries for planning, scheduling, and
monitoring complex projects.

Critical Path Method (CPM)

Introduction

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is a deterministic project management technique primarily
used for scheduling project activities. Developed in the late 1950s by DuPont for managing
plant maintenance projects, CPM identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a
project and defines the shortest time in which the project can be completed.

Key Features of CPM

1. Deterministic Nature: CPM assumes that activity durations are known with
certainty.
2. Focus on Time: Emphasis is placed on the time required to complete each task and
the overall project duration.
3. Critical Path Identification: Identifies the sequence of tasks that directly impacts
the project completion date.
4. Float Calculation: Determines the flexibility available in scheduling non-critical
activities.
5. Resource Allocation: Useful for optimizing resource allocation and leveling.

Steps in CPM

1. Break Down the Project: List all tasks or activities required for the project.

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2. Determine Dependencies: Identify the relationships between tasks (precedence).


3. Estimate Durations: Assign time durations to each task.
4. Draw the Network Diagram: Represent the project tasks in a network form using
nodes and arrows.
5. Calculate Critical Path: Determine the longest path through the network based on
task durations.
6. Analyze Float: Calculate the total and free float for non-critical activities.
7. Monitor and Update: Continuously update the CPM as the project progresses.

Example of CPM

Scenario: Construction of a Small Office Building

• Activities:
o Excavation (5 days)
o Foundation (10 days, depends on excavation)
o Structural Work (20 days, depends on foundation)
o Roofing (15 days, depends on structural work)
o Interior Finishing (10 days, depends on roofing)

Network Diagram:

1. Excavation (5 days): Start the project.


2. Foundation (10 days): Starts after excavation.
3. Structural Work (20 days): Starts after foundation.
4. Roofing (15 days): Starts after structural work.
5. Interior Finishing (10 days): Starts after roofing.

Flow and Dependencies:

• Node A: Excavation → Node B: Foundation → Node C: Structural Work → Node D:


Roofing → Node E: Interior Finishing

Critical Path Calculation:

• Path: A → B → C → D → E
• Duration: 5 + 10 + 20 + 15 + 10 = 60 days

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Relevant IS Codes for CPM

1. IS 15883 Part 1: Project Management Guidelines.


2. IS 7272 Part 1: Recommendations for Scheduling.

Applications of CPM in Civil Engineering

1. Construction Scheduling: Developing detailed schedules for construction


activities.
2. Resource Optimization: Identifying bottlenecks in resource allocation.
3. Cost Control: Minimizing project delays and associated costs.

Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)


Introduction

PERT is a probabilistic project management technique developed by the U.S. Navy in the
1950s for the Polaris missile program. Unlike CPM, PERT incorporates uncertainty by using
three time estimates for each activity: optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely.

Key Features of PERT

1. Probabilistic Nature: Accounts for uncertainty in activity durations.


2. Focus on Time and Risk: Provides a range of possible completion times.
3. Three Time Estimates:
a. Optimistic Time (∈): Minimum time required if everything goes perfectly.
b. Most Likely Time (M): Time required under normal conditions.
c. Pessimistic Time (P): Maximum time required if everything goes wrong.
4. Expected Time (TE):
a. TE = (∈ + 4M + P) / 6
5. Variance: Measures the spread of the activity duration.
a. Variance = ((P - ∈) / 6)^2

Steps in PERT

1. Identify Activities: List all tasks required for the project.


2. Determine Dependencies: Establish precedence relationships between tasks.
3. Estimate Durations: Use optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic time estimates.

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4. Construct the Network Diagram: Represent tasks and dependencies.


5. Calculate Expected Time and Variance: For each activity, compute the expected
time and variance.
6. Identify Critical Path: Determine the path with the longest duration (based on
expected times).
7. Analyze Probabilities: Calculate the probability of completing the project within a
specific time frame.

Example of PERT

Scenario: Building a Residential Swimming Pool

• Activities and Time Estimates:


o Excavation: ∈ = 3 days, M = 5 days, P = 8 days
o Concrete Work: ∈ = 7 days, M = 10 days, P = 15 days
o Tiling: ∈ = 4 days, M = 6 days, P = 9 days
o Plumbing: ∈ = 2 days, M = 4 days, P = 7 days

Calculations:

• Expected Time (TE):


o Excavation: TE = (3 + 4*5 + 8) / 6 = 5.33 days
o Concrete Work: TE = (7 + 4*10 + 15) / 6 = 10.33 days
o Tiling: TE = (4 + 4*6 + 9) / 6 = 6.17 days
o Plumbing: TE = (2 + 4*4 + 7) / 6 = 4.17 days

Flow and Dependencies:

1. Excavation: (5.33 days) →


2. Concrete Work: (10.33 days) →
3. Tiling: (6.17 days) →
4. Plumbing: (4.17 days)

Critical Path Calculation:

• Path: Excavation → Concrete Work → Tiling → Plumbing


• Duration: 5.33 + 10.33 + 6.17 + 4.17 = 26 days (approx.)
• Variance:
o Excavation: Variance = ((8 - 3) / 6)^2 = 0.69
o Concrete Work: Variance = ((15 - 7) / 6)^2 = 1.78
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o Tiling: Variance = ((9 - 4) / 6)^2 = 0.69


o Plumbing: Variance = ((7 - 2) / 6)^2 = 0.69

Relevant IS Codes for PERT

1. IS 15883 Part 2: Project Time Management Guidelines.


2. IS 14580: Guidelines for Network Analysis in Project Planning.

Applications of PERT in Civil Engineering

1. Risk Management: Evaluating uncertainties in large-scale infrastructure projects.


2. Schedule Development: Developing realistic timelines for projects with many
unknowns.
3. Decision-Making: Assessing the probability of completing projects within given
deadlines.

Comparative Analysis
Aspect CPM PERT
Nature Deterministic Probabilistic
Time
Single estimate Three estimates (∈, M, P)
Estimates
Focus Time and cost optimization Time and risk management
Critical Path Fixed Variable based on probabilities
Well-defined, repetitive Research and development, uncertain
Application
projects projects
More complex due to probabilistic
Complexity Relatively simple
calculations

Conclusion

Both CPM and PERT are invaluable tools in project management, particularly in civil
engineering. While CPM is suitable for projects with well-defined activities and
deterministic durations, PERT excels in scenarios where uncertainty is prevalent. By
understanding and applying these methodologies, project managers can enhance
planning, scheduling, and execution to achieve successful project outcomes.

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The practical examples provided illustrate how these techniques can be implemented in
real-world projects, highlighting their respective strengths and applications. Mastery of
CPM and PERT enables civil engineers to effectively manage time, resources, and risks,
ensuring project success.

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