CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Project Management ConceptsEasy
A project manager is defining the sequence of activities for a new product development. They have identified that 'Software Development' cannot begin until 'System Design' is complete, and 'User Acceptance Testing' cannot start until 'Software Development' is finished. This relationship is an example of which type of dependency?
- AStart-to-Finish (SF)
- BFinish-to-Finish (FF)
- CStart-to-Start (SS)
- DFinish-to-Start (FS)
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Finish-to-Start (FS)
A Finish-to-Start (FS) dependency means that the successor activity cannot start until the predecessor activity has finished. In this scenario, 'Software Development' (successor) cannot start until 'System Design' (predecessor) is complete, and 'User Acceptance Testing' (successor) cannot start until 'Software Development' (predecessor) is finished.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Start-to-Finish (SF) means the successor activity cannot finish until the predecessor activity has started.
- B. Finish-to-Finish (FF) means the successor activity cannot finish until the predecessor activity has finished.
- C. Start-to-Start (SS) means the successor activity cannot start until the predecessor activity has started.
Finish-to-Start (FS) Dependency
A logical relationship where the successor activity cannot begin until the predecessor activity has completed.
- Most common type of dependency in project management.
- Predecessor must finish before successor can start.
- Often seen in sequential project phases.
Memory trick: Finish Strong, Start Fresh: FS is the standard path.