With references provided below, cite the references in the statements:

A Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) chart is a project management tool used to schedule, organize, and coordinate tasks within a project. Developed by the U.S. Navy in the late 1950s, the PERT chart is particularly useful for projects where the precise duration of tasks is not known. This tool is advantageous in implementing organizational change as it helps in planning and visualizing task sequences, timelines, and dependencies, thereby facilitating better resource allocation and risk management.

Key Components of a PERT Chart:

1. Events or Milestones: Represented by nodes or circles in the chart, these are the important checkpoints or stages within the project.
2. Activities: Arrows or lines connecting nodes signify activities or tasks that need to be performed. The arrows are labeled with the duration of the task.
3. Critical Path: This is the longest path through the project network and indicates the shortest time in which the project can be completed.
4. Slack Time: This refers to the amount of time that a task can be delayed without causing a delay to the project.

Using a PERT Chart in Implementing Organizational Change:

To design a comprehensive action plan using a PERT chart, follow these steps:

Identify the Scope and Objectives:

• Clearly define the change objectives and scope. For instance, a company might want to implement a new digitalized customer service platform.

List Activities and Milestones:

• Break down the project into all necessary tasks and set clear milestones.
• Example Activities:
  • Conduct market research (2 weeks)
  • Develop new software features (5 weeks)
  • Train staff on new processes (3 weeks)
  • Pilot test the platform (2 weeks)

Determine Task Dependencies:

• Identify which tasks depend on the completion of others.
• Example: Training staff can only occur after developing software features.

Estimate Timeframes:

• Assign time estimates to each task using optimistic, pessimistic, and most likely time estimates to calculate the expected duration using the formula:
  • Expected Time (TE) = (Optimistic Time + 4 Most Likely Time + Pessimistic Time) / 6

Draw the PERT Chart:

• Lay out the chart starting with initial activities that do not have predecessors and connect activities as per dependencies.

Identify the Critical Path:

• The critical path is determined by tracking the longest duration path through the network, ensuring timely project completion.

Monitor and Adjust:

• Use the PERT chart throughout the implementation process to monitor progress and adjust timelines or resources as necessary.

Example of PERT Chart in Organizational Change:

Consider a mid-sized company planning to transition to a remote work model. The activities might include:

• Conducting infrastructure assessment (3 weeks)
• Procuring necessary technology (2 weeks)
• Redesigning workflows (4 weeks)
• Training employees (3 weeks)
• Launching a pilot program (2 weeks)

Example Critical Path Analysis:

• Infrastructure assessment Procure technology Train employees Launch pilot program.

This path determines the shortest completion time and requires stringent monitoring.

Scholarly References:

1. Kerzner, H. (2017). "Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling," 12th Edition. John Wiley & Sons. DOI: 10.1002/9781119307555
2. Meredith, J. R., & Mantel, S. J. (2011). "Project Management: A Managerial Approach." John Wiley & Sons. Link