The Major Differences and Similarities between PERT and CPM

PERT and CPM are very similar in their approach; however, two distinctions are usually made.
The first relates to the way in which activity duration are estimated. In PERT, three estimates are
used to form a weighted average of the expected completion time, based on a probability
distribution of completion times. Therefore, PERT is considered a probabilistic tool. In CPM,
there is only one estimate of duration; that is, CPM is a deterministic tool. The second difference
is that CPM allows an explicit estimate of costs in addition to time. Thus, while PERT is
basically a tool for planning and control of time, CPM can be used to control both the time and
the cost of the project. Extensions of both PERT and CPM allow the user to manage other
resources in addition to time and money, to trade off resources, to analyze different types of
schedules, and to balance the use of resources.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CPM & PERT

1. CPM is activity oriented i.e. CPM network is built on the basis of activities. Also result
Of carious calculation are considered in terms of activities of the project. On the other hand,
PERT is event oriented.
2. CPM is a deterministic model i.e. it does not take into account the uncertainties Involved in
the estimation of time for execution of a job or an activity. It completely Ignores the probabilistic
element of the problem. PERT however is a probabilistic Model. It uses three estimates of the
activity time- optimistic, pessimistic and most Likely with a view to take into account time
uncertainty. This the expected duration of Each activity is probabilistic indicates that there is
fifty percent probability of getting The job done within the time.
4. CPM place dual emphasis on time and cost and evaluate the trade off between project Cost
and project time. By deploying allows the project manager to manipulate project duration within
certain limits so that project duration can be shortened to an optimal cost.On the other hand :
PERT is primanly concerned with time. It helps the manager to schedule and co-ordinate various
activities so that the project can be completed on schedule time.

Dummy Activity
A dummy activity is a simulated activity of sorts, one that is of a zero duration and is created for
the sole purpose of demonstrating a specific relationship and path of action on the arrow