Select the correct comprehensive statement about CPM and PERT: orientation, uncertainty treatment, and time–cost linkage.
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ACPM analysis is activity oriented.
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BPERT analysis is event oriented.
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CCPM does not make any allowance for uncertainties in activity duration (deterministic times).
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DIn CPM, time is explicitly related to cost (time–cost trade-off).
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EAll the above.
Answer
Correct Answer: All the above.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:CPM and PERT are canonical network techniques in project management. Knowing their orientation and assumptions guides method selection, interpretation of floats, and risk handling.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We must judge multiple statements about CPM and PERT.
- Only one option provides the best overall characterisation.
Concept / Approach:CPM (Critical Path Method) is activity-oriented and assumes deterministic durations; it also supports time–cost optimisation (crashing). PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is event-oriented and models duration uncertainty using a, m, b with expected times.
Step-by-Step Solution:Evaluate A: True—CPM focuses on activities.Evaluate B: True—PERT historically emphasises events and probabilistic times.Evaluate C: True—CPM uses single (deterministic) durations.Evaluate D: True—CPM includes time–cost trade-off analyses (crashing).Therefore E (All the above) is correct.
Verification / Alternative check:Textbook comparisons of CPM vs PERT consistently list these differences and capabilities.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- Picking A, B, C, or D alone omits other equally correct facets.
Common Pitfalls:Assuming PERT and CPM are interchangeable; forgetting time–cost trade-off is more closely tied to CPM.
Final Answer:All the above.