What Is a Dependency in Project Management?

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

Discover the vital role of dependencies in project management, where tasks rely on one another for seamless execution.

[Featured image] A product team outlines dependencies while making a project plan in a brightly lit conference room filled with plants.

Key takeaways

  • A dependency in project management refers to the relationship between two tasks in which you must complete the first task of a project before beginning the second one. 

  • An example of a dependency in project management is writing a PR release that requires the CEO to approve the content before distributing it publicly. 

  • The four different types of dependencies are “finish to start,” “finish to finish,” “start to start,” and “start to finish.”

Several categories of dependencies in project management include logical, resource, preferential, and external dependencies. Explore project management dependencies, including what they are, their types, and the various categories. If you’re ready to build your project management skill set, enroll in the Project Management Principles and Practices Specialization offered by the University of California, Irvine. In as little as four weeks, you can learn about budget management, project planning, project risk management, stakeholder communications, and more. 

What is a dependency?

A dependency refers to the relationship between tasks or activities, where the completion of one task is reliant on the completion of another task. In other words, a dependency exists when a task can only be performed after another task has been finished. In project management, dependencies help determine the sequence and order in which tasks should be executed to ensure smooth project progression and successful outcomes.

With this in mind, it’s good practice to map dependencies on a dependency diagram to avoid points where teams are waiting around because timings don’t align. This helps you maximize efficiency.

Read more: Project Management Lifecycle: The 5 Phases Explained

What are the 4 different types of dependencies?

Dependency diagrams map four types of dependencies:

  • Finish to start: You can begin Task B when Task A is complete.

  • Finish to finish: You can finish Task B when Task A is complete.

  • Start to start: Task B can start after Task A starts.

  • Start to finish: Task A can be completed after Task B begins.

What is an example of dependency?

Take a look at this example of dependency in project management: If you work in public relations and have written a PR release, you need the CEO to approve the content before you can distribute it publicly.

Categories of dependencies in project management

The concept of dependencies comes in many forms or variations. These include logical, resource, preferential, and external dependencies.

Logical dependencies

A logical or causal dependency indicates that certain project steps must be completed in a specific sequence to achieve the desired outcome. An example of a logical dependency is the requirement to finish the design phase before starting the manufacturing phase of a product. 

Resource dependencies

A resource occurs when a task or activity depends on the availability of specific resources, such as personnel, equipment, materials, or funding, to be executed. In other words, the start or completion of one task is contingent upon the availability or completion of another task's required resources.

Preferential dependencies

Preferential dependencies are intentionally created or established based on preferences or strategic considerations rather than strict logical or resource constraints. Unlike other types of dependencies, preferential dependencies are subjective and based on the project team's judgment or decision-making. Preferential dependencies allow project teams to optimize project plans, resource allocation, or stakeholder priorities based on their expertise, experience, or specific project requirements.

External dependencies

An external dependency arises from factors outside the immediate control of the project team or organization. It denotes a reliance on external entities, events, or circumstances that can impact the project's progress or outcomes. This could be a regulation or legal contract you have to follow, or something like having to stop due to an industry strike. External dependencies are out of your control.

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