PERT (Programme Evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Path Method) are tools used in health programme management. The 'critical path' in CPM refers to:

• A The path with the minimum number of activities
• B The longest path through the network determining the minimum project completion time ✓
• C The most expensive sequence of activities in the project
• D The sequence of activities with the highest failure risk

Explanation

In the Critical Path Method, the critical path is the longest sequence of dependent activities from start to end of a project — it determines the minimum time required to complete the project. Any delay in an activity on the critical path causes an equal delay in project completion (zero float). Activities not on the critical path have 'float' or slack time. PERT differs in that it uses probabilistic activity time estimates (optimistic, most likely, pessimistic).

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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