Dependency Determination

There are four types of dependencies to be considered while considering the sequencing namely Mandatory, Discretionary, External and Internal.

Mandatory: It is the used when it is inherent to the nature. For example construction of the wall depends on finishing of the foundation. You can’t think of the other way. This is also called as hard logic.

Discretionary: In the situation there are some activities which can be carried out either way based on the logistics availability or based on the best practices. It is based on the preference. This is also called as preferred or soft logic. For example if you want to provide the training to the operation team about the project, the training can happen after the transition or before the transition. The training can be imparted based on the logistics availability and the people.

External: This is nothing but where you are dependent on the external environment or element where you don’t have any control. For example, approval from the government organization or materials from the vendor.

Internal: Here the dependency is within the project. For example funding, resource availability, etc…

Dependency Determination technique is used under the process Sequence Activities.