PROJ-630: Planning II

PROJ-630: Planning II: Schedule/Budget/Procurement. Often, it is difficult to give deterministic time estimates to tasks because durations depend on various factors. The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), which considers probabilistic estimates for task durations, provides a tool to determine the expected project duration and also calculate the probability of completing the project by a certain date. In this assignment, you will review a PERT example and apply the concepts to your Integrative Project (this is the project you selected in PROJ-610).

PROJ-630: Planning II

Upon successful completion of the course material for PROJ-630: Planning II, you will be able to:

• Determine expected project duration with probabilistic estimates for task durations.
• Calculate the probability of completing the project by a certain date.

Resources

• Textbook: Agile Fundamentals: A Comprehensive Guide to Using an Agile Approach
• Textbook: PMP Exam Prep
• Article: PERT
• Article: The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): Incorporating Activity Time Variability in a Project Schedule
• IWU Resources Page
• Website: Evaluating Sources
• HTML Page: Example of Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)
• Video: PERT Analysis
  • [Note: The inclusion of publicly accessible video links in your courses and program should neither be considered a recommendation or endorsement of any products or services mentioned within them.]

Background Information

Application of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) helps analyze the risk involved in a project schedule. For example, if the probability of completing the project by a specific date, amidst uncertain task duration estimates, is calculated using PERT as, say, 80%, then the risk of falling behind schedule is 20%. Such analysis helps the project manager to decide whether to commit to the deadline imposed by the sponsor/client.

Instructions

1. In PMP Exam Prep, read “Preparing the Schedule,” in Chapter 6: Schedule
2. Read the article “PERT.”
3. Watch the video “PERT Analysis” (3:36) or read the PERT Analysis Transcript.
4. Review the article “The Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT): Incorporating Activity Time Variability in a Project Schedule.”
5. View the following page: Example of Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT)(HTML).
6. After reviewing the PERT example provided, perform a PERT analysis for your Integrative Project (this is the project you selected in PROJ-610) along the same lines.
7. Your submission should be a minimum of 350 words.
8. All references and citations should be in APA format.
   1. Review the APA Style page for information on how to cite sources and format citations and references properly.
   2. You may also review the OCLS Evaluating Sources page to see the criteria for credible Internet research websites.
9. Review the rubric your instructor will use to evaluate the quality of your work and make improvements as needed to meet the expectations outlined.
10. When you’ve completed your assignment, save a copy for yourself and submit a copy to your instructor by the end of the workshop by using the quick link or the Activities button.