Key Formulas and Concepts for PERT/CPM MCQs
PERT and CPM are important project management techniques used in planning, scheduling, and controlling business projects. They help students and professionals efficiently organize complex tasks. Understanding PERT and CPM is crucial for Commerce exams, competitive tests, and professional project management. At Vedantu, we make these concepts easy for students to master.
| Criteria | PERT | CPM |
|---|---|---|
| Full Form | Program Evaluation and Review Technique | Critical Path Method |
| Time Estimates | Probabilistic (Optimistic, Most Likely, Pessimistic) | Deterministic (Single Time Estimate) |
| Focus | Events | Activities |
| Use Case | Research, Development, Uncertain Projects | Construction, Routine, Repetitive Projects |
| Application | Time-Oriented | Time and Cost-Oriented |
PERT and CPM in Project Management
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are essential tools for mapping out the sequence of project tasks. PERT handles activities with uncertain timeframes, while CPM is best for well-defined projects. Both help in effective project scheduling and monitoring.
Key Formulas for PERT and CPM MCQs
- Expected Time (PERT): (Optimistic Time + 4 × Most Likely Time + Pessimistic Time) ÷ 6
- Variance (PERT): ((Pessimistic Time – Optimistic Time) ÷ 6)2
- Total Float (CPM): Latest Start Time – Earliest Start Time
- Slack (Event): Latest Finish Time – Earliest Finish Time
- Standard Deviation (Critical Path): √(Sum of variances on the critical path)
Major Concepts Tested in PERT and CPM MCQs
- Identification of critical path and critical activities
- Calculation of float and slack
- Differentiation between event- and activity-oriented networks
- Expected time, variance, and standard deviation calculations
- Distinguishing between deterministic and probabilistic techniques
Practice MCQs on PERT and CPM
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1. What is the main focus of PERT? |
A) Resources B) Cost C) Time Uncertainty D) Quality |
C |
| 2. Which network method uses three time estimates per activity? |
A) CPM B) PERT C) Gantt Chart D) Bar Chart |
B |
| 3. The difference between the latest and earliest start time of an activity is called? |
A) Slack B) Float C) Duration D) Lag |
B |
| 4. On the critical path, the total float is always? |
A) Positive B) Negative C) Zero D) Maximum |
C |
| 5. PERT assumes activity times follow which statistical distribution? |
A) Normal B) Binomial C) Beta D) Exponential |
C |
| 6. Which of the following is NOT a float type? |
A) Free Float B) Independent Float C) Dependent Float D) Total Float |
C |
| 7. What is the formula for expected time in PERT? |
A) (O + 4M + P) / 6 B) (O + M + P) / 3 C) (O + P) / 2 D) (M + 4O + P) / 6 |
A |
| 8. An activity requiring no time/resource but maintaining logical dependency is called? |
A) Real Activity B) Dummy Activity C) Float Activity D) Lead Activity |
B |
| 9. Which method is more suitable for routine, repetitive projects? |
A) PERT B) CPM C) Both D) None |
B |
| 10. Slack is associated with: |
A) Activity B) Event C) Project D) Resource |
B |
Quick Revision Table for PERT and CPM
| Term/Formula | PERT | CPM |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Time (uncertain) | Time, Cost (fixed) |
| Orientation | Event-Oriented | Activity-Oriented |
| Time Estimate | (O + 4M + P)/6 | Single Value |
| Variance | ((P-O)/6)2 | Not used |
| Application | R&D, New Projects | Construction, Repetitive |
| Float/Slack | Slack (Event) | Float (Activity) |
Real-World Use of PERT and CPM
In real business scenarios, PERT is used for projects where timings are uncertain, such as launching new products or research. CPM is common in construction, plant setup, or maintenance where task times are predictable. Both help managers finish projects efficiently.
Improving Exam Results with PERT and CPM MCQs
Understanding PERT and CPM helps students answer MCQs on project scheduling, critical path, and float. These topics are frequently tested in school board exams and competitive tests. Practicing MCQs develops clarity, boosts confidence, and ensures students can handle exam questions easily.
Further Learning and Internal Links
For deeper learning, explore related topics on Vedantu. Study the difference between PERT and CPM and concepts in financial management. Learn about ratio analysis and costing methods, which link directly to effective project planning. Explore effective planning steps and management functions for further context.
To summarize, PERT and CPM are essential tools in project management. They support students in mastering time estimation, critical path analysis, and task organization. Practicing related MCQs is key for success in commerce exams and real business projects. Use Vedantu resources for clear, in-depth understanding and better exam results.
FAQs on PERT and CPM Multiple Choice Questions with Solutions
1. What is the full form of PERT and CPM?
PERT stands for Program Evaluation and Review Technique, and CPM stands for Critical Path Method. These are project management tools used for planning, scheduling, and controlling project activities. PERT handles uncertain activity times (probabilistic), while CPM is used for projects with known durations (deterministic).
2. What is the main difference between PERT and CPM?
The key difference lies in how they handle time: PERT uses probabilistic time estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic), accommodating uncertainty. CPM uses deterministic times, assuming certainty in activity durations. PERT is better suited for complex projects with inherent uncertainty, while CPM is ideal for simpler projects with well-defined timelines.
3. What is the critical path in CPM?
The critical path in CPM is the longest sequence of activities from project start to finish. It determines the shortest possible project duration. Any delay on the critical path directly impacts the overall project completion time. Understanding the critical path is crucial for effective project management and scheduling.
4. How is time calculated in PERT?
PERT uses a three-point estimation for activity times: optimistic (O), most likely (M), and pessimistic (P). The expected time (te) is calculated as: te = (O + 4M + P) / 6. This incorporates uncertainty in activity durations, providing a more realistic project schedule.
5. What is the formula for float?
Float, or slack, represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project. It's calculated as: Float = Latest Start Time - Earliest Start Time (or Latest Finish Time - Earliest Finish Time). Activities on the critical path have zero float.
6. What is the difference between PERT and CPM?
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is probabilistic, handling uncertain activity times, while CPM (Critical Path Method) is deterministic, using fixed activity durations. PERT uses three-time estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic), whereas CPM relies on a single, known duration. Both aim to identify the critical path.
7. How does PERT handle uncertainty?
PERT handles uncertainty by using a three-point estimation for each activity's duration (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic). This allows for a more realistic project schedule compared to CPM's deterministic approach. The expected time calculation incorporates this variability, providing a more accurate project completion time estimate.
8. What is a dummy activity in network diagrams?
A dummy activity in a PERT/CPM network diagram represents a dependency between activities without consuming time or resources. It's used to maintain the correct logical sequence and avoid ambiguity in the network representation of the project. It's crucial for accurate critical path identification.
9. Can I download PERT and CPM MCQ PDFs with answers?
Yes, many educational websites offer downloadable PERT and CPM MCQ PDFs with answers for practice and revision. These resources are invaluable for exam preparation, allowing for offline study and self-assessment. Look for reputable educational sites that align with your syllabus.
10. What is the Beta distribution in PERT?
In PERT analysis, activity times are often assumed to follow a Beta distribution. This distribution is suitable for modeling uncertain activity durations because it is flexible and can accommodate various shapes depending on the optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic time estimates. The Beta distribution facilitates a probabilistic approach to project scheduling.
11. When would PERT and CPM not be suitable?
PERT and CPM might not be suitable for very small, simple projects with minimal interdependencies between activities. For such projects, simpler methods like Gantt charts might suffice. Also, if activity durations are extremely uncertain or unpredictable, alternative risk management techniques might be needed alongside PERT.
12. What are the types of float (slack)?
There are several types of float (or slack) in project scheduling: Total float, Free float, and Independent float. These represent different aspects of the flexibility available to schedule activities without delaying the project. Understanding these float types is important for resource allocation and project risk management.
