An X-Ray of Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (Pert) as a Powerful Managerial Tool in Educational Planning

Abstract

The paper examines the development and rationale behind the use of Programme Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) as a tool in educational planning. PERT is a system with interrelated components or entities and a notable management technique for evaluating, reviewing progress and performance towards the accomplishment of stated and well defined organizational goals. Two major elements that are important in the operation of the technique are events and activities. The paper discusses the nature, concepts and terminologies in PERT and its applicability to planning. The discussion of the planning is limited to short-run educational projects. The paper unfolds several benefits that can be accrued when PERT principles are applied to educational planning. Such benefits include; clearer statement of project objectives and goals, enable project manager to identify at an early stage the potential trouble spots in the project plan, to know where to re-plan in the event that the original plan is inappropriate for some reasons. This facilitates the communication process since plans are portrayed in a graphic manner. The paper equally discusses PERT limitation and issues of uncertainty in form of PERT's weakness as a tool in educational planning.