The use of the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) in planning and scheduling software programs was discussed in this thesis. A real world program, referred to as the Wrap-Around Simulation or WAS Project, was selected to illustrate that complex efforts in the software domain can respond favorably to modern planning and scheduling techniques

The WAS Project included the provision of a digital simulation of the shipboard environment in which a Digital Fire Control Computer (DFCC) would operate as part of a Digital Fire Control System. The digital simulation afforded a well controlled and conclusive checkout of the operational program contained in the DFCC and as such precluded the necessity of installing the DFCC aboard ship to evaluate its performance.

Basic PERT theory was presented and the mechanics of network generation were developed. The WAS Project was Planned and scheduled in detailed step-by-step fashion as dictated by the philosophy and techniques discussed

The analysis indicated that PERT can be an effective if not necessary tool for the manager of software as well as hardware projects. It was recommended that the greatest emphasis be placed on the activity time estimate.

The accuracy of the entire PERT approach is completely dependent on the validity of the time estimates. If time and funding permit, an analysis of variance of activity durations was strongly recommended to determine the feasibility of possible alternate plans.