Technique
CPM vs PERT
Two network scheduling techniques that are usually combined rather than chosen between.
| CPM | PERT | |
|---|---|---|
| Durations | Single (deterministic) | Three-point (probabilistic) |
| Focus | Longest path, float | Uncertainty and expected time |
| Origin | Construction/maintenance | R&D (Polaris programme) |
| Output | Critical path, dates | Expected time, variance |
| Use together? | Yes — network + path | Yes — supplies the estimates |
The verdict
Use PERT’s three-point estimates to handle uncertainty, then CPM to find the critical path through the same network.