What is the purpose of a PERT chart in project management?

A PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) chart serves a crucial role in project management by specifying the sequence of activities involved in a project. It visualizes the tasks and their interdependencies, allowing project managers and teams to identify the order in which activities should be performed. This sequential representation is critical for understanding the timeline and ensuring that tasks are completed in a logical manner, which ultimately aids in effective project planning and execution.

By mapping out the entire process, a PERT chart helps in estimating the duration of the project as well as identifying critical paths—those sequences of activities that directly impact the project timeline. This clarity is essential for managing resources effectively and meeting deadlines, which is a fundamental aspect of successful project management.

Other options do not align with the primary purpose of a PERT chart. While defining team roles, tracking budgets, and creating marketing strategies are important tasks within project management, they are not the primary function of a PERT chart. Instead, the chart is specifically tailored to focus on the sequence and relationship of project activities, making it an indispensable tool for organizing and scheduling work.