CPM and PERT Project Scheduling Fundamentals

Planning and controlling complex projects requires precise scheduling, estimation, and resource management. This text-based course guides you through the core principles of CPM (Critical Path Method) and PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) from the ground up. You will develop a strong conceptual foundation in network analysis, learning how to construct network diagrams, calculate project durations, identify critical paths, and manage project uncertainties. By working through clear explanations and structured written examples, you will gain the analytical skills needed to solve scheduling problems confidently in academic exams and professional practice. What you'll learn: Understand the fundamental differences between deterministic (CPM) and probabilistic (PERT) approaches; Draw accurate project network diagrams using activity-on-node and activity-on-arrow conventions; Calculate earliest and latest start/finish times, total float, and free float for project activities; Determine the critical path and overall project duration with step-by-step mathematical calculations; Estimate project completion probabilities using three-time estimates and standard deviation in PERT; Apply modern scheduling concepts, including hybrid project management principles and resource leveling basics. The course begins with essential terminology and the basics of project network construction before moving into detailed mathematical calculations, float analysis, and probability estimations. You will progress through structured written scenarios that reinforce your understanding of both theoretical formulas and practical exam-style problems. This course is designed for civil engineering students, project management aspirants, and beginners preparing for technical competitive exams. No prior scheduling experience is required, as we start with foundational concepts. Start reading today to build a solid foundation in project scheduling and network analysis.