Project dependencies are relationships between tasks where a task has to be completed or started before another task can begin. Dependencies are key elements of the overall project schedule, along with dates, milestones, and durations. Mapping dependencies will help the project team complete tasks in the correct sequence.
There are four types of dependency relationships:
- Mandatory: where it is contractually or inherently required for a task to start or be completed before another can begin
- Discretionary: where it is best practice or preferential of the team to start or complete a task before another can begin
- External: where project activities are related to non-project activities out of the team’s control
- Internal: where all project activities are under the team’s control
Project dependencies are likely identified in the project’s planning phase but will need to be continuously managed if there is a change in the project, particularly if one or more of the triple constraints are affected.
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Projects, lifecycle, management, manager, methodologies, the triangle, stakeholders, deliverable, team, charter, scope, budget, schedule, planning, baselining, milestones, dependencies, resources, risk, procurement, communication, ceremonies, integration, backlog, whiteboard, closure, software tools, office(r), code of ethics, body of knowledge
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