CPM/PERT for Project Management from Udemy

What's inside

Learning objectives

Project planning and scheduling
Correct prioritizing of activities and proper allocation of resources in project activities.
Critical path method (cpm), a technique widely used in project planning and control.

Program evaluation and review technique (pert).
Handling adversities in project.

Project planning and scheduling
Correct prioritizing of activities and proper allocation of resources in project activities.
Critical path method (cpm), a technique widely used in project planning and control.
Program evaluation and review technique (pert).
Handling adversities in project.

Syllabus

Introduction

Projects Vs. Operations

What Difference it Makes

This section is about identifying project activities, establishing interrelationships among them and estimating time required for completing the activities.

This video discusses about the important considerations in identifying activities in a project and applies them in a project that has quite a few parallel activities.

Activities in a project are mutually related. Some may be started only after some other activities are completed. Whereas, some may be done in parallel even when some other activities of the project are on. This video takes the project of previous lecture and establishes the relationships between the activities.

Activity Time Estimation

Activity Network Diagram

We start drawing an activity on arrow network diagram in this video.

This video completes drawing of network diagram of the previous video. It demonstrates use of dummy activity in handling complex interrelationships among activities.

This note summarizes the concept of drawing activity network diagram.

Practice Drawing Network Diagram

There are 4 questions to revise the basics.

Answer to Revision Questions Set A

Network Drawing Example with Different Format

Network Analysis (CPM/PERT)

In an Activity on Arrow (AOA) network diagram, activities are represented by arrows drawn between nodes. Nodes represent end or start of one or more activities. Hence they represent events indicating start or end of activities. Earliest time of an event is such time before which this event cannot happen. This is because of the dependencies of activities ending at this event on other activities in the project. This video computes earliest time of events in the project for which network diagram has already been drawn in earlier videos.

Earliest time of the node representing end of the project gives the project completion time. The project cannot be completed before that without reducing activity times. In deterministic situation, the project is planned to be completed in the earliest possible time only. Latest time of various events are such time before which the event must happen to avoid delay in project completion. The earliest time and the latest time for some events differ. This knowledge helps project managers in correctly prioritizing the activities.

This video computes the latest time of all the events in this project.

Slack Time and Critical Path

WBS of a project is given in the first question of this quiz. Answer the questions related to earliest time and latest time of various events in the project.

Activity Based Analysis

Project Scheduling: Gantt Chart

Project Management Decisions

Detailed Solution to Assignment Questions

As the project is executed, everything don't go as per plan. Various adversities happen during project. This section discusses few classic adversities that are part of almost every project.

Resource Problem in the Beginning

Delay in Activity Execution

Sometimes project needs to be completed before the scheduled time due to reasons like making use of some unforeseen opportunity or to accommodate some requirement or something like this. Resources can be deployed on various activities to reduce the activity time. This video brings some important point related to change in critical path to help managers deploy the resources to get best result.

It is an interesting case that involves resource planning, prioritizing of activities and resource allocation. It also involves change in critical path due to resource allocation. This case is quite helpful in understanding nuances of project management and can make you take smart decisions during project execution.

These questions are based on data given in the Case related to resource allocation and priority setting just before this lecture. There are four multiple choice questions to apply your understanding of the concepts. Solutions are given in the video itself. So, if you want to try on your own, pause the video, see the question, solve that and play the video to check your answer and go to the nest question.

Managing Time Overrun

Lectures in this section are for probabilistic situation, finding probability of project completion within planned time and planning project time to have a desired probability of project completion.

It takes a WBS with optimistic time, most likely time and pessimistic time estimates of activities and discusses about uncertainties and risks involved in the activities based on that.

This lecture computes expected project completion time and variance for the project under probabilistic situation.

It takes the same project for which WBS with probabilistic time estimates has been discussed earlier in this section and the expected project completion time and variance have been computed. This lecture goes further to find the probability of project being completed before different planned times. It uses Normal Distribution table to find the probability.

It decides about the desired probability of project completion in planned time and computes the project time plan to get that probability of success.

Here, few questions are given related to project management in probabilistic situation. Answers are also given. It will help if you do these questions yourself. Detail answer in video form will be made available as resource to this lecture.

Revision Question Set C

Solutions To Revision Question Set C

Examination Questions with Solutions

Project Planning in Probabilistic Situation

Network Diagram and Dummy Activities

Project Completion Time and Change in Critical Path

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Useful for project managers who want to understand project planning and scheduling including Gantt charts, Critical Path Method, and Program Evaluation and Review Technique

Instructors Girijesh Pathak are recognized for their work in project management

Covers Probabilistic Time and Risk Management that helps students manage uncertainties in projects

Teaches in-demand skills that are useful in managing and planning projects

Could benefit from offering a certificate of completion

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in CPM/PERT for Project Management with these activities:

Know Different Tools

Show steps

Knowing the tools used in project planning is essential for the course and these tools may be new to you.

Browse courses on Project Scheduling

Show steps

List down all the tools or techniques you know for project planning.
Research about different tools and techniques for project planning and management.
Identify courses online or offline that teach these tools and techniques.

Follow Tutorial on Critical Path

Show steps

Searching for external resources and tutorials can help you master critical path.

Browse courses on Critical Path

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Search for tutorials on Critical Path Method.
Choose a tutorial that seems clear and easy to follow.
Follow the steps in the tutorial.
Take notes and pause the video when needed.

Review Project Management Book

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Reviewing a book on project management can provide a great foundation of knowledge.

Show steps

Find a copy of the book.
Read through the book.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Do the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Attend Project Management Workshop

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Attending a workshop gives you opportunities to learn and network.

Browse courses on Critical Path

Show steps

Find a project management workshop.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop.
Take notes and ask questions.
Network with other participants.

Practice Critical Path Identification

Show steps

Identifying the critical path is one of the essential skills required for completing a project on time and practising it will help you master it.

Browse courses on Critical Path

Show steps

Identify the tasks for a small project and their dependencies.
Calculate the duration of each task.
Draw the network diagram, calculate the earliest start and finish time for each task.
Identify the longest path from the beginning to the end node.

Group Project Planning

Show steps

Working in a group will improve you communication and collaboration skills.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Find a group of people to work with.
Choose a project to work on.
Develop a project plan.
Execute the project plan.
Evaluate the project results.

Design Project Plan

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Designing a project plan lets you use the skills you learn in this course.

Browse courses on Project Planning

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Identify the project goals and objectives.
Create a work breakdown structure (WBS).
Estimate the duration of each activity.
Develop a project schedule.
Identify the project risks.
Develop a risk management plan.

Mini Project

Show steps

Project planning is the primary focus of this course and completing a small project will help you master it.

Browse courses on Project Planning

Show steps

Choose a small project to work on.
Define the scope of the project and its deliverables.
Create a work breakdown structure (WBS) and identify the activities required to complete the project.
Estimate the duration of each activity.
Draw the network diagram and calculate the critical path.
Develop a project schedule.
Monitor the project's progress and make adjustments as needed.

Career center

Learners who complete CPM/PERT for Project Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Program Manager

A Program Manager is responsible for the overall success of a program, which may consist of multiple projects. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course is a great fit for someone who wants to become a Program Manager. Not only does it teach CPM and PERT, but it also covers project scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. They may work across a wide range of industries. They must be expert communicators and planners. Nearly all Project Managers use the Critical Path Method (CPM). CPM, as well as PERT (the Program Evaluation and Review Technique), is indispensable in effective project planning. A Project Manager who is also familiar with CPM will stand out in the job market. In this course, learners gain a deep understanding of CPM/PERT. As the course was created for Project Management professionals, it should be a perfect fit for Project Managers who want to enhance their skills in these vital methodologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Project Analyst

A Project Analyst helps to keep IT projects on track and within budget. Knowledge of CPM and PERT is a huge asset, as is a solid understanding of scheduling tools. This course fits well with a career as a Project Analyst. Not only does it teach both CPM and PERT, but it also goes into depth about scheduling. Anyone seeking to work as a Project Analyst would benefit immensely from this course's teachings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Analyst

Product Manager

A Product Manager is responsible for the development and launch of new products. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Product Manager. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for a Product Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a business. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become an Operations Manager. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for an Operations Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Consultant

A Consultant provides advice and guidance to businesses. They may work in a variety of industries, including project management. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Consultant. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for a Consultant.

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Quality Manager

A Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring the quality of products and services. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Quality Manager. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for a Quality Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and makes recommendations for improvements. They may work in a variety of industries, including project management. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Business Analyst. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for a Business Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

IT Project Manager

An IT Project Manager plans, executes, and closes IT projects. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become an IT Project Manager. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for an IT Project Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Project Manager

Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of the movement of goods and services. They must have a strong understanding of project management methodologies, including CPM and PERT. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Supply Chain Manager. It teaches CPM and PERT, as well as scheduling, resource allocation, and risk management. These are all important skills for a Supply Chain Manager.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Construction Manager

A Construction Manager, similar to a Project Manager, plans and executes projects. However, their projects tend to focus on construction. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Construction Manager. The course teaches about planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and time management. These are all critical skills for a Construction Manager.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst collects, analyzes, and interprets data. They may work in a variety of industries, including project management. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Data Analyst. It teaches about probability and risk management. These are important skills for a Data Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst analyzes financial data and makes recommendations for investments. They may work in a variety of industries, including project management. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Financial Analyst. It teaches about probability and risk management. These are important skills for a Financial Analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Risk Manager

A Risk Manager is responsible for identifying and mitigating risks. They must have a strong understanding of probability and risk management techniques. This course may be useful for someone seeking to become a Risk Manager. It teaches about probability and risk management. These are important skills for a Risk Manager.

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Engineering Manager

An Engineering Manager oversees and manages engineering teams. They are responsible for the successful delivery of engineering projects. CPM and PERT are valuable tools in an Engineering Manager's arsenal. This course may help someone seeking to become an Engineering Manager. Along with teaching CPM and PERT, the course discusses scheduling and project management techniques.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineering Manager