Dependencies in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
Dependencies are relationships between individual project activities that determine the respective sequence in which these activities must be performed. They ensure that tasks are processed in the correct order and help prevent delays in the project schedule. Dependencies are typically defined during the planning phase, considering various types such as finish-to-start (FS) or start-to-start (SS) to ensure an efficient project workflow.
Example, Best Practice, and Further Information
A typical example from software development is the dependency between the coding of a function and the prior completion of its design (a finish-to-start relationship). A proven best practice is to identify and document all dependencies early on in the project. This approach aligns with established project management methods such as time scheduling according to PMBOK or agile concepts such as backlog management. Early documentation helps avoid rework and supports on-time project completion.