Consideration and analysis of significant concepts and techniques in scheduling theory

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: This report has been undertaken to illustrate some of the concepts and elements of scheduling techniques. The Gantt chart is discussed only with the intention of mentioning its previous significance to managers as a scheduling device. PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is discussed relative to its potentialities for wide-scale application as a management tool. PERT has offered a new approach to executive decision making in the development of techniques for information and control systems. These techniques are organized in general form throughout the paper. The materials used in the study are chiefly library periodicals and books dealing with PERT techniques and their applications and supplements from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Findings and Conclusions: PERT scheduling techniques, representing a new and significant decision-making tool for executive management, are in the embryonic stage of development. It will take much creative thinking, much development and much company experience to invest it with the full usefulness and potential application of which it now appears to be capable. This report has emphasized the methodology and concepts of PERT systems, with the intention of providing the reader with a framework for the further development of scheduling theory. PERT/Time, PERT/Cost, PERT/Reliability, and Critical Path are discussed relative to their methodology and applications and their significance to the manager in developing decision making rules which are in tune with scheduling policies.