why would i use a pert chart instead of a gantt chart 
a pert chart requires a project manager to think through three possible timelines optimistic time is the shortest possible route to completion pessimistic time is the longest it might take if everything goes wrong the most likely time is a reasonable estimate of the best case scenario from the outset the project manager has defined the ideal outcome of a project but also identified the possible barriers to achieving that outcome the bottom lineproject management can be a very daunting and challenging task but there are tools that managers can use to help make the process a little smoother the pert chart can help project managers visually map out the project s timeline by highlighting all the tasks involved it also helps managers by laying out project instructions and the timeline needed to complete each individual task charts can be created using specialized computer software or even microsoft excel 