Task Relationship Dependencies

Task dependencies represent the order in which tasks must be performed. Dependencies enable you to work out the optimal task order, providing the fastest route through the project. There are 4 types of dependency relationships. A task can have multiple successors or multiple predecessors.

The impact of getting a dependency wrong usually results in delays.  It's important to monitor dependencies throughout the project and communicate them to the project team.

Start-to-start 

Start-to-start diagram

Predecessor must start before successor can start.  This relationship allows the Project Manager to run tasks in parallel.

Start-to-finish

Start-to-finish diagram

Predecessor must start before Successor can finish

Finish-to-start

Finish-to-start diagram

Predecessor must finish before Successor can start.  This is the most commonly used dependency.

Finish-to-finish

Finish-to-finish diagram

Predecessor must finish before Successor can finish