CPM (Critical Path Method) vs PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique)

Critical Path Method - CPM vs Program Evaluation Review Technique - PERT

            A mathematical modelling technique used to schedule a set of tasks. The model allows the longest path (the critical path) to be determined which gives the minimum time required for project completion

             PERT and CPM are the two network-based project management techniques, which exhibit the flow and sequence of the activities and events.Program (Project) Evaluation Review Technique (PERT) is appropriate for the projects where the time needed to complete different activities are not known. On the other hand, the Critical Path Method (CPM) is apt for the projects which are recurring in nature.The two scheduling methods use a common approach for designing the network and for ascertaining its critical path.

BASIS FOR COMPARISON	PERT	CPM
Meaning	PERT is a project management technique, used to manage uncertain activities of a project.	CPM is a statistical technique of project management that manages well defined activities of a project.
Orientation	Event-oriented	Activity-oriented
Model	Probabilistic Model	Deterministic Model
Estimates	Three time estimates	One time estimate
Management of	Unpredictable Activities	Predictable activities
Evolution	Evolved as Research & Development project	Evolved as Construction project
Suitable for	Research and Development Project	Non-research projects like civil construction, ship building etc.
Nature of jobs	Non-repetitive nature	Repetitive nature
What is it?	A technique of planning and control of time	A method to control cost and time.
Focuses on	Time	Time and cost