Using PERT as an approximation of fuzzy project-network analysis

The use of the project evaluation and review technique (PERT) as an approximation of fuzzy project network analysis (FPNA) when the activity times are represented by normalized triangular fuzzy numbers is discussed. Thirty-two networks in various combinations of activity width, activity symmetry, and path completion time disparity were analyzed using both FPNA and PERT. The differences in the expected project completion time, identification of critical activities, amount of activity slack, and the possibility of meeting certain project completion times are investigated. Results indicate that PERT performs well when approximating the expected project completion time, but is prone to large errors when identifying the critical activity set, approximating the amount of activity slack, and estimating the possibility of meeting certain project completion times