Network-based versus AI-based techniques in project planning

Traditional network-based techniques for project planning have been somewhat limited in capacity, and require much work from project planners. The artificial intelligence (AI) technique employs a problem solving strategy for project planning that can be beneficial to project managers. To compare the two project planning techniques, both were applied to the problem of planning a sequence to build a nine-piece jigsaw puzzle. The network-based techniques of Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Critical Path Method (CPM) were applied using a decision tree to select a best decision. Next, the AI techniques of Means-End Analysis, Generate and Test, and Production Systems were applied to the same puzzle. The main benefit to the AI technique over the Network-based technique was the AI's ability to incorporate problem solving into its parameters. A blend of these two techniques can improve project planning in the future.