How does PERT handle task time estimates?

PERT, or Program Evaluation and Review Technique, is specifically designed to handle uncertainties in project management. Unlike some other methods that assume fixed durations for tasks, PERT recognizes that not all activities can be estimated with certainty.

The PERT approach involves estimating three different time durations for each task: the optimistic time (the shortest time in which the task can be completed), the pessimistic time (the longest time the task might take), and the most likely time (the best guess of how long the task will take under normal conditions). This allows project managers to calculate an expected time for each task based on these estimates, effectively accommodating the inherent uncertainty involved in project schedules. This characteristic of PERT is why the correct answer focuses on estimating durations for uncertain activities, making it a valuable tool in project management where variability may exist.

In contrast, other options like using fixed durations, focusing solely on task dependencies, or adhering to a strict timeline do not capture the essence of PERT’s ability to manage task durations when there is uncertainty.