Dependency

Dependency Definition

Dependency refers to the relationship between tasks or activities in a project where the completion of one task is reliant on the completion of another task. It is a crucial concept in project management as it helps understand the sequence and interdependencies of tasks, ensuring smooth project execution.

What is a Dependency in Project Management?

In project management, dependency is a logical relationship between two or more tasks or activities. It signifies that the start or finish of one task is dependent on the start, finish, or progress of another task. Dependencies help project managers identify the order in which tasks must be executed and ensure that the project progresses smoothly.

Project Dependencies Key Terms

To understand dependencies better, it is essential to be familiar with some key terms related to project dependencies:

1. Predecessor: A predecessor is a task that must be completed before another task can start. It is the task on which the dependent task relies.
2. Successor: A successor is a task that cannot start until its predecessor task is completed. It is the task that is dependent on the completion of another task.
3. Lag: Lag refers to the amount of time between the completion of a predecessor task and the start or finish of a successor task. It can be positive (delay) or negative (overlap).

Dependency Types in Project Management

There are four main types of dependencies in project management:

1. Finish-to-Start (FS): This is the most common type of dependency, where the successor task cannot start until the predecessor task is completed.
2. Start-to-Start (SS): In this type of dependency, the successor task can only start when the predecessor task starts. The two tasks may have different durations.
3. Finish-to-Finish (FF): Here, the successor task can only finish when the predecessor task finishes. The two tasks may have different durations.
4. Start-to-Finish (SF): This is the least common type of dependency, where the successor task can only finish when the predecessor task starts. The two tasks may have different durations.

Dependency Examples

To illustrate the concept of dependencies, consider the following examples:

1. Construction Project: In a construction project, pouring the foundation is a predecessor task to building the walls. The walls cannot be constructed until the foundation is completed, making it a finish-to-start dependency.
2. Software Development: In software development, the testing phase is a successor task to the coding phase. The testing cannot begin until the coding is finished, making it a finish-to-start dependency.

Key Dependencies in Project Management

Identifying and managing dependencies is crucial for successful project management. Some key dependencies to consider include:

1. Resource Dependencies: Certain tasks may require specific resources, such as equipment or personnel, which may be dependent on the availability of those resources.
2. External Dependencies: Projects often rely on external factors, such as suppliers or regulatory approvals. These dependencies need to be identified and managed effectively.

What is Discretionary Dependency in Project Management?

A discretionary dependency, also known as a preferential dependency, is a dependency that is not mandatory but is established based on best practices, preferences, or constraints. It is a dependency that is chosen by the project team rather than being dictated by the nature of the tasks.

How to Identify Project Dependencies

To identify project dependencies, project managers can follow these steps:

1. Break down the project into smaller tasks or activities.
2. Determine the logical relationships between the tasks.
3. Identify the dependencies by analyzing the order in which tasks need to be executed.
4. Document the dependencies using a project management tool or a dependency matrix.

Project Dependencies Key Terms

• Dependency Matrix: A dependency matrix is a visual representation of the dependencies between tasks in a project. It helps project managers understand the relationships and manage them effectively.

Wrap Up

Dependencies play a vital role in project management by establishing the relationships between tasks and ensuring the smooth execution of projects. Understanding the different types of dependencies and effectively managing them is crucial for project success. By identifying and managing dependencies, project managers can ensure that tasks are completed in the right order and that the project progresses as planned.