The diffusion of network techniques throughout government publications

This paper explores the role of the government in fostering the use of network scheduling and control techniques. Specifically, it analyzes the volume, quality, and content of the publications through which information on critical path scheduling techniques, primarily PERT, is made available. The results of this analysis indicate that significant government publications on critical path scheduling method did not begin to emerge until two years after its development, and that then the technique was discussed almost solely in terms of application. PERT is generally discussed as a computerized system used primarily on R & D projects. Insofar as the literature provides an accurate picture of the application of PERT, this study indicates that its use has not been extended beyond the industries which have been forced by the military to use it. A bibliography of relevant government publications is included.