Dependencies

Dependencies are a fundamental part of project management. It is common for one task to depend on the start, finish or completion of another task. This affects scheduling, processes and resources. Dependencies can be set between tasks within a single project or between projects across programs and portfolios. There are 6 main types of dependencies:

Finish-To-Start (FS) Dependency: This requires the first task to be completed before the second task can start. Let's take a home renovation project as an illustration:

Task A: Paint a Room
Task B: Clean the Room: Remove any dust, paint splatters or debris

There is no point cleaning before the paint job is complete. In this way the FS dependency ensures that the painting operation is completed before cleaning begins.

Finish-To-Finish-(FF): Here two tasks must finish simultaneously.

Assume two teams are each working on a different report:

Task A: Team A’s report requires results from Team B for their report to be finalized
Task B: Team B’s report requires results from Team A for their report to be finalized

Here an FF dependency is required between Task A and Task B to indicate that both tasks must finish simultaneously. In practical terms this means signing off on both tasks only once both are complete.

Start-To-Start-(SS): This time Task A and Task B must start at the same time, or run in parallel. It can also be described as Task B can only start once Task A has begun.

Assume two teams are tasked with system testing.

Task A: System Administrator resets the server
Task B: Software Testing

Perhaps a server reset was required to test a new piece of software. There may be a few seconds delay but in effect both tasks start seconds apart.

Other examples would include cases where multiple people are required for parts of tasks, so it makes sense to run tasks in parallel to ensure sufficient resources are available to cover all aspects of the tasks.

Start-To-Finish-(SF): This time Task A cannot be completed before Task B is started, making it less common but highly useful.

Assume a legacy (existing) software system is being upgraded to a new system.

Task A: Transition to the New System
Task B: Going live on the new system

The existing system cannot be shut down until the new system is operational. New systems will typically run in parallel until the final hand over.

Leading/Lagging Dependencies: Sometimes a specific time gap is required between two tasks, for example a 2 week period may be needed between various stages.

Imagine building a piece of furniture.

Task A: Preparing Materials
Task B: Assembly

The materials required to build the furniture must be gathered and ready for construction. The furniture is put together with the prepared materials.

These refer to external elements that can affect or hinder a project – such factors are typically outside the project team's control.

Supplier Dependencies: Projects relying on third parties for materials, components or services may face delays or issues from suppliers, potentially affecting the project's quality and timing

Regulatory Dependencies: Projects in sectors such as financial services or healthcare are subject to strict compliance. If regulatory agencies introduce new regulations, this may impact these projects. Similarly changes by Governments or Tax Authorities would also need to be taken into account

Market Dependencies: External market forces, such as changes in consumer preferences, market demand or competition may impact the project's scope and objectives

Environmental Dependencies: Weather patterns and natural disasters can significantly influence construction and outdoor initiatives

Technological Dependencies: Projects reliant on specific external technologies or tools may encounter issues related to their compatibility, upgrades or availability

Effective dependency management is essential for project and program success.

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