What is the purpose of a PERT chart in project management?

A PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) chart serves a crucial purpose in project management by outlining project tasks and timelines. It visually represents the various tasks involved in a project, illustrating their sequences, dependencies, and the overall timeline for completion. This helps project managers identify the critical path—the sequence of tasks that determines the shortest possible duration for the project—allowing them to allocate resources effectively, manage time constraints, and ensure timely project delivery. The clarity provided by a PERT chart enables teams to better understand the flow of activities and facilitates communication among stakeholders. Such structured visualization makes it easier to identify any potential delays or bottlenecks in the project execution process.