For a project activity, the optimistic, the pessimistic and the most likely times are 4, 14 and 6 days respectively. Its average time is _________

Correct option is B

PERT estimates the average time by considering three estimates: optimistic (O), pessimistic (P), and most likely (M).

The PERT average time (expected time) is calculated as:

Given:

• Optimistic (O) = 4 days

• Most likely (M) = 6 days

• Pessimistic (P) = 14 days

Calculation:

Hence, the average time for the project activity is 7 days.

Information Booster:

• The PERT technique uses a weighted average to account for uncertainty in activity durations.

• Optimistic time (O) is the minimum time under ideal conditions.

• Pessimistic time (P) is the maximum time assuming delays or difficulties.

• Most likely time (M) is the best estimate assuming normal conditions.

• The formula gives greater weight to the most likely time to reflect realistic expectations.

• Expected time helps in project scheduling and critical path analysis.

• PERT helps in managing projects with uncertain activity durations.