The Project Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) is a project management tool used to plan, schedule, and coordinate tasks within a project. It helps identify the minimum time needed to complete a project by analyzing the time required for each task and the dependencies between them. PERT is particularly useful for complex projects where time estimates are uncertain. In a PERT chart, tasks are represented as nodes connected by arrows that indicate the sequence of activities. This visual representation allows project managers to identify critical paths, which are the longest sequences of dependent tasks that determine the project's duration. By focusing on these critical tasks, teams can allocate resources more effectively and ensure timely project completion.