Crashing PERT networks using mathematical programming

The paper introduces and develops a method for investigating the application of mathematical programming to the concept of crashing in Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT). The main objective is the minimization of the pessimistic time estimate in PERT networks by investing additional amounts of money in the activities on the critical path. The constructed mathematical model, which is built in terms of additional amounts of money that must be invested, shows that minimizing the pessimistic time decreases project duration and, at the same time, reduces its variance. The result of applying the model showed that the probability of realizing the terminal node is increased.