Application of Program Evaluation and Review Technic (PERT) to laboratory research and development planning

Software for the personal computer dramatically changes the ease with which managers of research and development can use network planning to guide projects to completion in the academic medical center setting. A case study of the use of the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Project Evaluation and Review Technic (PERT) in planning and implementing transcutaneous pCO₂ monitoring by a department of laboratory medicine illustrates the utility and efficiency of these network planning technics. By means of iterative PERT analyses, the project was kept on track, despite an overly optimistic estimate of the completion data initially and intense demand by clinicians for use of the new monitoring technic in the management of premature infants with respiratory disease. Additionally, the iterative management approach improved project participants' expertise in estimating and meeting deadlines. Network planning is fully adaptable to the IBM PC® or an equivalent microcomputer. This article summarizes several excellent project management software packages thay have become available recently.