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Glossary of Project Management Terms

P

parent task

see supertask.

path

a set of sequentially connected activities in a project network diagram.

path float

see total float.

percent complete

an estimate, expressed as a percent, of the amount of work that has been completed on an activity or group of activities.

PERT chart

a specific type of project network diagram. See program evaluation and review technique.

precedence diagramming method (PDM)

a network diagramming technique in which activities are represented by boxes (or nodes). Activities are linked together by precedence relationships to show the sequence in which the activities are to be performed.

precedence relationship

the term used in the precedence diagramming method for a logical relationship. In current usage, precedence relationship, logical relationship, and dependency are widely used interchangeably regardless of the diagramming method in use.

predecessor activity

any activity that exists on a common path with the activity in question and occurs before the activity in question.

preemption

see activity splitting.

program evaluation and review technique (PERT)

an event-oriented network analysis technique that is used to estimate project duration when there is a high degree of uncertainty with the individual activity duration estimates. PERT applies the critical path method to a weighted average duration estimate.

project

a temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product or service. A project consists of one or more activities.

project management

the application of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques to project activities in order to meet or exceed stakeholder needs and expectations from a project.

project management body of knowledge (PMBOK)

an inclusive term that describes the sum of knowledge within the profession of project management. As with other professions such as law, medicine, and accounting, the body of knowledge rests with the practitioners and academics who apply and advance it. The PMBOK includes proven, traditional practices that are widely applied in addition to innovative and advanced ones that have seen more limited use.

project network diagram

see network diagram.

project schedule

the planned dates for performing activities and the planned dates for meeting milestones.

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