Project Management Dependency Essay Example

gives us an example when he states that “our developer couldn't finalize the layout for the homepage without first receiving graphics assets from our designer.”

Wysocki (2009, p.167) suggests using the Finish-to-Start (FS) method to start constructing a project network diagram. Biafore (n.d.) provides steps to choose the appropriate dependency type, which helps in identifying the controlling tasks and determining the required dependency characteristics.

1. Identify the predecessors to the task which is achieved by asking oneself, “what does this task need before it can start?” It helps to determine tasks that are predecessors to the task being evaluated.
2. Determine whether the start or finish of the predecessor controls the scheduling of the successor. For example, FF or FS is used if the completion of the predecessor controls the second task.
3. Determine whether the predecessor triggers the start of finish of the successor For instance, if the result of the previous step is finish and result for this step is start, the dependency type is FS.
4. Identify whether the dependency uses a lead or lag time which is based on the duration of the predecessor task. Dependencies are determined by existing constraints between tasks thus, they affect the task schedule by defining the relationship between tasks.

A Constraint refers to anything that hinders the project from reaching its

objective. According to Wysocki (2009, p.167), there are four constraints that impact the arrangement of project tasks and the interdependencies among them.

1. Technical Constraints occurs because a task requires an output from its predecessor before work can begin on it. In the installation of a ground mount V-sat, a hole must be dug (task 1), a pole erected in it (task 2), concrete poured and left to set (task 3), before the v-sat is now mounted on the pole (task 4).
   
   Here, a Finish-to-Start (FS) dependency is used in this case because the completion of a predecessor task determines when the next task can begin. According to Wysocki (2009, pp.167-169) Technical constraints can be subdivided into (i) Judgment calls which is a decision a project manager takes to modify the sequences of a task. When ahead of schedule in the installation of the V-sat, and there is a risk of rain or strong winds, I can relocate my workmen to another task like the indoor cabling and wiring so as to prevent the V-sat from being blown off or the concrete from being washed off. (ii)Best-Practice constraints where I use my own personal experiences from similar tasks to adjust a schedule. I could split my workers into two sets and make one set mount the V-sat and the other set do all necessary wiring at the same time. (iii) Logical constraints where I use my own reasoning to find how to optimize project schedule. (iv) Unique requirements like regulatory inspections and specialized equipment affect successor tasks.
   

2. 1.5;">
   Management Constraints is a reversible constraint and is management-imposed. Tasks and schedules can be changed at anytime by the project manager to suit certain condition.
   

3. 
   Inter project constraints occurs when deliverables from one project is needed in another project Wysocki (2009, pp.169-170). An example given in the construction of the Boeing 777 where different projects to manufacture different parts of the plane were done at different geographical locations by different facilities but had to be coordinated with the final assembly project plan.
   
4. 
   Date constraints The dates for the begining and the end of tasks and projects are imposed before the project kicks off. These dates are mostly imposed by clients. Wysocki (2009, p. 170) states the three types of date constraints. (i) No earlier than- which specifies the earliest date a task would be completed. E.g, The v-sat installation would be through as from 5th of April. (ii) No later than- specifies a date a task must be completed. E.g, The v-sat installation would be through before 5th of April. (iii) On this date- Here a date is set in which the task must be completed. E.g, The v-sat installation must be through by 5th April.
   

Franchina (2010) states that establishing task dependencies is crucial for comprehending project dynamics and creating an effective project management schedule. Cheng, Choi, Lee, and Wu (1999) also advise against redundancy in utilizing constraints and recommend reviewing the entire network diagram to make any required adjustments.