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1
Identify the project scope
2
Create a network diagram
3
Estimate the time and resources
4
Monitor and adjust the project progress
5
Here’s what else to consider
Collaborative problem solving is a vital skill for teamwork, especially when dealing with complex and uncertain projects. However, it can also be challenging to coordinate, communicate, and estimate the time and resources needed for each task. That's where the PERT method can help you and your team. PERT stands for Program Evaluation and Review Technique, and it's a project management tool that helps you plan, schedule, and monitor your project activities. In this article, you'll learn how to use the PERT method to improve collaborative problem solving in four steps.
Key takeaways from this article
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Create a visual roadmap:
Using the PERT method is like mapping out a road trip. Charting the project visually helps identify critical tasks and plot the most efficient course of action. This shared map keeps everyone on the same page.
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Embrace flexibility:
Regularly revisiting and adjusting your PERT chart as new information arises ensures that your team can pivot quickly. This ongoing dialogue fosters collaborative problem-solving and decision-making.
This summary is powered by AI and these experts
- Manuel Vinaroz Gomis Encargado de mantenimiento en ALE-HOP
1 Identify the project scope
The first step is to define the project scope, which is the overall goal, deliverables, and requirements of your project. You need to clarify what you and your team are expected to achieve, how you will measure your success, and what constraints or risks you might face. You can use tools like a project charter, a scope statement, or a work breakdown structure to document your project scope and share it with your team and stakeholders.
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- Manuel Vinaroz Gomis Encargado de mantenimiento en ALE-HOP
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Cada instalación es diferente y tiene sus características, puedes tomar ejemplos de otras, pero considero que siempre tendrán sus diferencias.Al igual que un técnico puede ser bueno en una instalación pero si valía se comprueba cambiando el tipo de instalación.Toda la información y toda colaboración debe de ser bienvenida en su justa medida.
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-Involve everyone on the team in the PERT process. This will assist to ensure that everyone understands the problem-solving process and the team's objectives.-Make a living document with PERT. As the team learns more about the challenge and makes progress, the PERT network diagram and task estimates should be updated on a regular basis.-Be adaptable. The Performance Evaluation and Research (PERT) approach is a tool, not a set of rules. The team should be ready to modify the PERT plan as necessary.
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- NAEEM IQBAL, PMP, PMI-PBA,LIMC, PSM PMO Leader | Project Management | Business Analysis | Digital Transformation
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Utilizing PERT can significantly enhance collaborative problem-solving endeavors. PERT, originally developed for complex project management, provides a structured approach to analyze and visualize the flow of tasks, dependencies, and potential bottlenecks in a project. When applied to collaborative problem solving, this method helps teams identify critical issues, allocate resources effectively, and streamline the problem-solving process. This not only facilitates communication but also allows for the identification of parallel paths, enabling teams to work concurrently on different aspects of the problem. PERT empowers teams to navigate collaborative problem solving with transparency, and a shared roadmap toward successful outcomes.
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- Malik Lasisi IT Officer | Data Analyst | Data Science Lab Student @ World Quant University | Computer Science Degree | Python Programmer
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I would apply the PERT method to enhance collaborative problem-solving by systematically identifying and sequencing tasks, estimating time requirements, emphasizing parallel work when possible, focusing on the critical path, and incorporating regular feedback loops for adaptation. This approach ensures a structured and organized problem-solving process, promoting clear communication, efficient coordination among team members, and the ability to adapt to emerging challenges effectively. Visualization tools, such as PERT charts, will be employed to facilitate a shared understanding of roles and activities, fostering a collaborative environment for addressing complex problems.
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- Cato Rolea Digital Transformation in Global Ed Expert | A.I Founder | Lifelong Learner
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The scope should be thorough and encompass all aspects of the project. This includes the project's boundaries, the major deliverables, the particular objectives, and the functionalities or features expected from the project outcomes. It's not just about what is included, but also about what is excluded from the project, to avoid scope creep.Engaging with stakeholders is crucial at this stage to ensure their needs and expectations are understood and incorporated. A well-defined scope will help in identifying potential risks and constraints early in the project. For instance, if a particular deliverable is known to be complex, you can anticipate potential delays or resource challenges.
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2 Create a network diagram
The next step is to create a network diagram, which is a visual representation of your project activities and their dependencies. You need to identify all the tasks that are necessary to complete your project, and how they are related to each other. You can use tools like a PERT chart, a Gantt chart, or a flowchart to draw your network diagram and show the sequence, duration, and critical path of your project activities.
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- Cato Rolea Digital Transformation in Global Ed Expert | A.I Founder | Lifelong Learner
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When I'm laying out a PERT diagram, it's like orchestrating the many moving parts of our international programs. Each task is a piece of the puzzle, critical to launching successful partnerships and programs. Coordinating between departments, ensuring each step logically follows the next—like ensuring student applications are processed before we issue acceptance letters is key to success.
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- Kaushal Soni, PMP® Project Manager || PMP || CLSSBB || Digital Analyst || Business Excellence
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Once you kick start with the defining your project scope considering - project goals & it’s important stakeholders.Next & Major Step is to create a flow diagram (network diagram)Flow / Network Diagram or As-Is Diagram all are same - is used to define way forward of Project or Plan.There are major 3 type of Flow diagram are there :1. Workflow Diagram 2. Swimlane Diagram 3. Data Diagram
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Creating a network diagram is like putting together a puzzle where each piece shows a part of our project. Let's say we're organizing a community fair. We start by drawing boxes for each task, like booking entertainers, setting up stalls, and advertising the event. Then, we draw lines to connect these boxes, showing which tasks need to be done before others. For instance, we can't advertise the fair until we know the date and location, right? This diagram is our guide. It helps us see the big picture and how each task links to another, making it easier to plan and stay on track. Plus, it's a great tool to explain our plan to others and make sure everyone's on the same page.
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- Areeb Ahmad, MSc, PMP-PMI Director Hydropower, Engineering Services and Architectural Services (ESAC)
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-Assign team members responsible for each task or step. Each member becomes a "task owner" responsible for carrying out their part of the problem-solving process.-A visual representation of the problem-solving process, similar to a PERT network diagram needs to be established. Task dependencies and the flow of information or decisions between team members must be clear concise.
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3 Estimate the time and resources
The third step is to estimate the time and resources required for each activity in your network diagram. You need to consider the best-case, most likely, and worst-case scenarios for each task, and use a formula to calculate the expected time and variance. You can use tools like a spreadsheet, a calculator, or a software to perform your calculations and assign the time and resources to each activity.
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- Cato Rolea Digital Transformation in Global Ed Expert | A.I Founder | Lifelong Learner
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I use a formula, typically (Optimistic + 4×Most Likely + Pessimistic) ÷ 6, to find the weighted average, which gives me a balanced view of how long each task might take. I'll plug these numbers into a spreadsheet, a reliable tool that's as indispensable to me as my calendar during peak application season.As for resources, I tap into my experience of balancing budgets and staff workloads. I'll assign resources based on task criticality, ensuring our key initiatives have the staffing and funding they need, much like I ensure our top programs are well-supported and our best staff are on the front lines.
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When we estimate time and resources, it's like planning a big family dinner. We think about what dishes to cook and then figure out how much time each will take and what ingredients we need. In our project, it's similar. We look at each task on our list and guess how long each one will take. For example, if we're creating a website, we'll estimate how many days it'll take to design, write the content, and test it. Then, we think about the resources: Do we need a designer? A writer? How about a computer? It's all about making a good guess to make sure we have enough time and the right tools to get everything done without last-minute rushes or running out of what we need.
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- Areeb Ahmad, MSc, PMP-PMI Director Hydropower, Engineering Services and Architectural Services (ESAC)
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-This helps in setting realistic expectations for the problem-solving process and ensuring that team members have what they need to succeed.-Identifying the critical path in the problem-solving network, helps in prioritizing tasks and focusing efforts on the most crucial steps.
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4 Monitor and adjust the project progress
The final step is to monitor and adjust the project progress according to your network diagram and estimates. You need to track the actual time and resources spent on each activity, compare them with your expectations, and identify any deviations or issues. You can use tools like a dashboard, a report, or a meeting to communicate your project status and performance to your team and stakeholders, and make any necessary changes or corrections.
Using the PERT method can help you and your team improve collaborative problem solving by providing a clear and realistic picture of your project, allowing you to plan, schedule, and monitor your project activities more effectively, and enabling you to adjust to any changes or uncertainties along the way.
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- Cato Rolea Digital Transformation in Global Ed Expert | A.I Founder | Lifelong Learner
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To track the actual time and resources spent, I use dashboards much like I monitor student enrollment and faculty engagement—keeping real-time tabs on progress and resource allocation. These dashboards are my go-to, offering a high-level view that's easily shared with stakeholders and team members, ensuring everyone is informed and aligned.I compare the on-the-ground realities with the initial estimates and pinpoint any discrepancies. This is no different than comparing projected student numbers with actual enrollments or expected budget use with actual spending, and then adapting strategies accordingly.Regular reports and meetings become instrumental, much like the briefings I conduct with department heads and partner institutions.
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Monitoring and adjusting project progress is a bit like being the coach of a soccer team. Imagine our project is the game. We don't just plan the strategy and then sit back; we keep an eye on how things are going. As the game progresses, we might see that one player is tired, so we switch them out, or we change our approach if the other team scores a goal. Similarly, in our project, we regularly check how things are going against our plan. If one task is taking longer than expected, we might need to shuffle around resources or change our deadlines. It's all about staying flexible and making small changes along the way to make sure we reach our goal smoothly. This way, we can tackle any challenges as they come and keep our project on track.
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- Areeb Ahmad, MSc, PMP-PMI Director Hydropower, Engineering Services and Architectural Services (ESAC)
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Regularly monitoring and updating the problem-solving network ensures that the team members are communicating effectively and collaborating efficiently to address any delays or issues.
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5 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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Using PERT in team projects is like planning a road trip with friends. We break the big project into smaller steps and draw a map, our PERT chart, showing what to do and when. This chart helps us see the key steps that we need to focus on first. It’s a bit like knowing which roads to take to avoid traffic. We also guess how long each step will take. Everyone’s estimates are different, so we mix them to get a plan that makes sense to all. We keep checking this map and talk about it often. If something changes, we tweak our plan. It’s all about making teamwork smooth and helping us make decisions together.
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- Cynthia Zamudio Escalante Strategic people leader driving business results through HR strategies | Recruiter | HRBP | Agile HR | People Manager | Continuous learner | "There's a world elsewhere"
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-Get everyone on the team involved in the PERT process. This will help to ensure that everyone has a shared understanding of the problem-solving process and the team's goals.-Use PERT to create a living document. The PERT network diagram and task estimates should be updated regularly as the team learns more about the problem and makes progress.-Be flexible. The PERT method is a tool, not a rigid process. The team should be prepared to adapt the PERT plan as needed.
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- Royale AFRIDI Bachelor in law and political science ,DIT ,OSHA 132 credit hours USA,HSE, IGC, Health and safety engineering diploma
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Set Expectations. From the very beginning, expectations for openness and respect must be established for CPS to be effective. ...Provide Variety. ...Communicate Clearly. ...Expand the Possibilities. ...Encourage Creativity. ...Provide Positive Feedback. ...Consider Solutions. ...Assign Tasks.
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