What is the primary use of a PERT chart in project management?

A PERT chart, which stands for Program Evaluation Review Technique, is primarily used in project management to visually represent the activities required to complete a project, the estimated duration of these activities, and the dependencies between them. It provides a framework for planning and scheduling project tasks effectively by identifying the sequence in which activities must occur and how they interrelate.

By illustrating which tasks are dependent on others, a PERT chart helps project managers to identify the critical path, allowing them to focus on those tasks that directly impact the project’s timeline. This focus is essential for ensuring that the project stays on track and is completed within the designated time frame. The detailed layout of the chart fosters a clear understanding of the overall workflow, enabling better decision-making regarding resource allocation and scheduling.

In contrast, other options such as budget allocations, team member performance tracking, and risk assessments do not directly utilize the structure or purpose of a PERT chart, which is fundamentally focused on the relationships between tasks and their durations.