Scheduling Techniques - PERT and CPM

Lecture 24 of CS605 Software Engineering - II explores algorithmic scheduling techniques using the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and the Critical Path Method (CPM). These project management techniques provide quantitative decision support for project duration forecasting. Students master forward pass calculations to determine Earliest Start (ES) and Earliest Finish (EF) times, and backward pass calculations to determine Latest Start (LS) and Latest Finish (LF) times for every network activity. The critical path is defined as the sequence of dependent tasks that determines the minimum total project duration, characterized by zero total float or slack time (Slack = LS - ES = LF - EF = 0). The lecture demonstrates how any slippage along the critical path directly delays overall project delivery. Students contrast CPM's deterministic single-duration estimates with PERT's three-point probabilistic duration estimates (optimistic, most likely, and pessimistic) using the beta distribution formula. Students study process maturity assessment frameworks, distinguishing between staged and continuous CMMI representations. Key process areas spanning requirements management, project planning, and quantitative process management are systematically demystified. By engaging with solved past papers by Moaaz and Waqar Siddhu, learners gain actionable insights into recurrent university exam questions. Interactive quiz assessments on VU SIGMA facilitate rapid knowledge verification and retention of critical software engineering terminology. Comprehensive coverage of IEEE terminology ensures learners communicate with technical precision across global software engineering organizations. Detailed analysis of software safety hazards highlights the imperative of building fail-safe mechanisms into safety-critical digital infrastructure. Software configuration auditing guarantees that delivered releases conform precisely to authorized engineering specifications and baselines. The strategic role of business process reengineering is evaluated as an instrument for achieving breakthrough improvements in cost and performance. In this lecture, students examine essential software engineering governance principles and lifecycle frameworks to ensure disciplined project delivery. Through detailed analytical walkthroughs, the lesson explores quantitative metrics, defect removal efficiency, and architectural trade-offs. Special emphasis is placed on quality assurance protocols, formal technical reviews, and proactive software risk management strategies.