Project networks (CPM/PERT): In network terminology, the actual performance or work content required to complete a task is called what?

Introduction / Context:CPM/PERT networks represent projects as connected elements. Distinguishing between activities, events, and durations is foundational to do forward/backward passes, compute floats, and identify the critical path.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Activity-on-Arrow or Activity-on-Node conventions may be used.
• Every task consumes time and possibly resources, regardless of representation.

Concept / Approach:An activity is the performance of work that takes time and resources. An event (milestone) is a point in time indicating the start or finish of activities. Duration is the measured time an activity takes, not the work itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:Check glossary in project management standards: “activity” explicitly denotes the work to be performed.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Event: a zero-duration point signifying completion or start, not the work itself.
• Duration: the length of time, not the task.
• None of these: incorrect because activity is the correct term.

Common Pitfalls:Calling milestones “activities”; forgetting that dummy activities in AOA have zero duration and carry logic only.

Final Answer:An activity