Discussion:

Explore Applications of PERT and CPM in the Public or Non-Profit Organizations

PERT is typically used to manage very large projects. In terms of scale, think weapons systems, the development of interstate transportation infrastructure, the development of a new airport, space exploration, and the like. However, there is nothing that indicates PERT cannot be used to manage smaller-scale projects, as evidenced by the article about using PERT to manage the dissertation process or, in the case of this program, the professional administrative project.

CPM is a method project managers use to plan large-scale projects. Critical path analysis involves constructing detailed maps of tasks required to complete a project and reasonable time estimates for each task. The idea behind CPM is to measure and forecast research and development programs.

For this Discussion, you examine the use of PERT and CPM in practice.

To prepare:

Review the Learning Resources for this week focusing on PERT and CPM.

Post your answers to the following questions:

1. For what applications in government or non-profit organizations do you see PERT being particularly useful? What about CPM?

2. How does the PERT process lend itself to program evaluation beyond the initial project development phase of a program or policy?

3. What are some of the liabilities or risks of using PERT and CPM?

Assignment: Short Paper: Using PERT to Develop a Timeline of Events in Project Implementation

You may have some basic experience with PERT and not know it. If you have had experience in project management and used Gantt charts or network diagrams to break a project into manageable segments, you have started the PERT process. PERT goes one step further by applying a statistical method to better estimate time to completion. The process begins with determining the steps and sequences of steps a project requires. Some steps might occur concurrently; others need to be completed in a certain order. These steps include an estimate of the amount of time required to complete the task. Then, those steps are compiled into a Gantt chart or similar process, and often, the critical path (the sequence of steps) is highlighted. Finally, the chart is the basis for plotting a map of the processes and tasks involved.

This map is essentially a network diagram of the processes and steps involved in a major project.

To prepare:
Read the following scenario:

For this Assignment, you develop a preliminary timeline of events related to this scenario: You work for a regional transportation district, and voters have just approved a mill levy (property tax) increase to fund a light rail transportation system that connects the current system to a commercial airport located approximately 20 miles from the urban core of the city.

Develop a preliminary timeline of events that include estimates for critical steps in implementing this project.

Use a free, publically available PERT tool, such as the following (also located in the Learning Resources for this week) to help create the document.

Attachment:- Project Management.rar