Which of the following statements about PERT/CPM and Gantt charts is true?

The correct understanding of PERT (Program Evaluation Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) along with Gantt charts highlights that these tools serve different but complementary purposes in project management. PERT and CPM are used for planning and scheduling project tasks, providing a structured method to evaluate the time and resources required for various projects. Gantt charts, in contrast, provide a visual representation of the project schedule, showcasing timelines for tasks and their overlaps.

The characterization of these methodologies as mutually exclusive, as suggested in the provided answer, is inaccurate. Instead, they are often used in conjunction with each other. While PERT/CPM focuses on the analytical aspect of project scheduling and identifying critical paths, Gantt charts are more about visual tracking of progress against time.

In project management practice, integrating both PERT/CPM and Gantt charts can enhance efficiency, allowing project managers to analyze the tasks more deeply while also offering a clear visual to stakeholders regarding project progression. Therefore, recognizing their complementary nature is essential for effective project management.