Project Scheduling Foundations with PERT and CPM

Planning and executing complex projects requires more than just a simple to-do list. To deliver projects on time and within budget, you need mathematical precision and structured scheduling frameworks. This text-based course guides you through the core principles of Operations Research and Industrial Engineering, focusing on network diagramming techniques. You will transition from understanding basic project components to calculating complex schedules and managing resource constraints with confidence. What you'll learn: - Understand foundational terminology of project networks, activities, and events. - Construct network diagrams using the Critical Path Method (CPM) to identify project bottlenecks. - Apply the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) to estimate project duration under uncertainty. - Analyze fundamental operations research topics including linear programming, queuing theory, and inventory management. - Solve assignment and transportation problems to optimize resource allocation. - Integrate classical scheduling methods with modern hybrid project management frameworks. The course starts with basic definitions and network planning concepts, gradually advancing to calculations for CPM and PERT. You will then explore essential operations research models, including linear programming and inventory theory, through clear written explanations and practical step-by-step examples. Designed for beginners in project management, industrial engineering, or business operations, this course requires no prior advanced mathematics background. Start reading today to master the science of efficient project scheduling.