The statistical probability distribution governing activity durations in PERT follows__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. beta
Explanation
PERT models activity duration uncertainty using the beta probability distribution curve. The beta distribution is selected because it accommodates single-mode, skewed, and bounded time estimates effectively. Calculating expected times and standard deviations in PERT networks relies entirely on beta distribution properties. Beta distributions are bounded by finite minimum and maximum values, matching optimistic and pessimistic time estimates. Probability theory provides mathematical models to represent random variables encountered in project management scheduling. Project network analysis converts subjective human estimates into statistically sound duration expectations using beta curves.
Project managers apply beta distribution formulas to estimate the probability of completing construction projects on schedule. Software tools use PERT beta calculations to generate probabilistic completion date forecasts for engineering tasks. Understanding activity distribution curves helps planners allocate contingency buffers to critical project paths. Normal distributions are symmetric and unbounded, making them less suitable for bounded three-time PERT estimates. Binomial distributions apply to discrete binary trial outcomes rather than continuous project task duration variables. Exponential distributions model memoryless inter-arrival times in queuing systems rather than bounded project durations.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. The Employees' Provident Funds Act applies broadly to________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: D. the industries notified by Government
The Employees' Provident Funds Act applies broadly to industries notified by government. Official government notifications legally mandate provident fund coverage for specific industrial sectors. Legislative frameworks a...
Q2. The earliest formalized method invented for industrial project planning was________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. bar chart method
The bar chart method was pioneered by Henry Gantt in the early twentieth century. It established the first formalized graphical approach to industrial project planning. This visual scheduling tool laid the groundwork for...
Q3. A process layout format is most advantageously applied where______________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. few number of non-standardised units are to be produced
Process layouts group similar machines and functional operations together into dedicated departmental areas within the workshop. This functional grouping makes the layout ideal for producing small batches of customized o...
Q4. The administrative technique for establishing and maintaining relative priorities among various project tasks is designated as___________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. critical ratio scheduling
Critical ratio scheduling is an administrative technique used to establish relative priorities. Project task priorities are dynamically updated using calculated critical ratio values. Managing competing tasks effectively...
Q5. Project scheduling provides management with crucial data concerning____________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. when work should start and how much work should be completed during a certain period
Project scheduling provides management with crucial data regarding project timelines. It specifies exactly when work should start and how much work is expected. This enables managers to track progress across specific ope...
Q6. The specific time span by which an activity's completion can be delayed without postponing the start of successor tasks is termed_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. free float
Free float measures the exact time span an activity can be delayed without postponing the earliest start date of any successor task. This specific float calculation allows project schedulers to absorb minor operational d...