6.3 Sequence Activities | PMBOK Video Course

Sequencing the Activities

In this section, we will learn about sequencing activities and how it helps in creating a schedule diagram and overall project schedule. We will also understand the different ways to identify and document relationships among project activities.

Identifying Relationships Among Project Activities

• Sequencing activities is the process of identifying and documenting relationships among project activities.

• Every activity except the first and last should be connected to at least one predecessor activity and one successor activity.

• Logical relationships should be designed to create a realistic project schedule.

• Dependency determination helps in determining what needs to be completed first and what needs to be completed after.

Precedence Diagramming Method

• Sequencing activities depends on dependencies or other constraints that need to be completed before they happen.

• Precedence diagramming method is used for designing logical relationships between activities.

• Project management information system is used for compiling all the project information and knowledge.

Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs

• The inputs are: project management plan, project documents, enterprise environmental factors, organizational process assets.

• The tools and techniques are: precedence diagramming method, dependency determination, leads and lags, project management information system.

• The outputs are: project schedule network diagrams, updated activity lists and milestone lists.

Inputs in Detail

Project Management Plan

• Schedule management plan defines the process for gathering our schedule together.

• Scope baseline defines the actual scope that we're delivering.

Project Documents

• Activity list contains all of our activities that we've taken from the scope baseline.

• Milestones list contains the large milestones or features that we're delivering over time to certain dates.

• Assumptions log contains all of our assumptions.

Work Authorization Systems and Organizational Process Assets

In this section, the speaker discusses work authorization systems and organizational process assets. They explain how work gets done in an organization and what tools are used to facilitate the process.

Tools and Techniques

• The Precedence Diagramming Method is a tool used to determine dependencies or logical relationships between activities.

• There are four types of dependencies: finish-to-start, finish-to-finish, start-to-start, and start-to-finish.

• Dependency determination and integration involve identifying mandatory, discretionary, internal, external dependencies.

• Leads and lags are used to adjust activity schedules. A lead allows an activity to be brought forward while a lag requires waiting for a dependency.

Project Management Information System

• The project management information system includes all the tools and processes used to gather project data.

Sequencing Activities

In this section, the speaker discusses relationships or dependencies among project schedule activities. The process of sequencing activities is explained and how it is part of the project management body of knowledge.

Creating a Schedule Network Diagram

• A schedule network diagram is created to show the sequence of activities.

• Dependencies are identified and used to determine which activity should start before or after another.

• The diagram makes it easier for someone to visualize the sequence of activities.

Updating Project Documents

• Project documents such as activity list, activity attributes, milestone list, and assumptions may need to be updated based on the sequencing of activities.

• These updates ensure that all stakeholders have access to accurate information about the project.

Importance in Critical Path Method

• The schedule network diagram is an important tool in completing the critical path method.

• It helps identify the critical path and determine which activities are most crucial for completing the project on time.

Overall, sequencing activities is an essential step in project management that ensures that all tasks are completed in a logical order.