The expected time (E) of a PERT activity in terms of optimistic time (O), pessimistic time (P) and most likely time (M) is given by.

Explanation:

In PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique), the expected time
E for an activity is calculated using a weighted average of three time estimates:

• Optimistic time (O): Best-case scenario (shortest possible duration)

• Most likely time (M): Most probable duration under normal conditions

• Pessimistic time (P): Worst-case scenario (longest possible duration)

• The expected time (E) of a PERT activity in terms of optimistic time (O), pessimistic time (P) and most likely time (M) is given by.\(\text{E=(O+4M+P)/6}\)

 Additional Information

• PERT is a project management tool used to plan, schedule, and control complex tasks where activity durations are uncertain. It is especially useful in research and development or construction projects where time estimates vary.

• PERT helps identify the critical path, which is the longest path of activities that determines the project duration. Delays in critical path activities will delay the whole project.

• It also calculates slack or float time for non-critical activities, helping project managers allocate resources and manage delays more efficiently.

• PERT is probabilistic in nature, unlike CPM (Critical Path Method), which is deterministic. It deals well with projects having uncertain activity durations.