PERT - actually it is a CPM problem

In the attached file you will find a PERT chart. This is a chart of a project consisting of six tasks. In the first table you see all the tasks listed along with completion time and task dependencies. Note not all the tasks need a prior task to be completed, that is they are independent.

The second table lists the paths or completion steps for sub-tasks and tasks dependent on them. This project could be anything you like, building a house, remodeling a house, building a car manufacturing plant, planning a wedding, etc.

Which path is the critical or most important path? Why is it the Critical Path and what is the significance of this path?

40 t = 1 wk t = 3 wk C F t = 2 wk 20 50 D F t = 3 wk (10) A B t = 4 wk E t = 2 wk 30 NetMBA.com Task Previous Tasks A B D E F Task Time in Weeks 3 4 1 2 2 3 WDID B AC PATH 1 2 3 Tasks ACF AD BE Path Times 3+1+3 = 7 Weeks 3+2=5 Weeks 4+2= 6 Weeks