The next step after defining project activities in project time management is to sequence the activities.
Sequencing the activities involves determining the order and dependencies between the identified project activities. This step establishes logical relationships and constraints between activities, ensuring they are performed in the correct sequence. This is to achieve project objectives efficiently.
The sequencing process involves analyzing dependencies between activities, which can be categorized into four types:
Finish-to-Start (FS): Activity B cannot start until Activity A finishes.
Finish-to-Finish (FF): Activity B cannot finish until Activity A finishes.
Start-to-Start (SS): Activity B cannot start until Activity A starts.
Start-to-Finish (SF): Activity B cannot finish until Activity A starts.
By establishing dependencies, project managers can create a project schedule that reflects the order activities need to be executed. This helps manage the project timeline, identify critical paths, and optimize resource allocation and project execution.
Once the activities are sequenced, the next step in project time management is to estimate the duration of each activity, assign resources, and develop a project schedule or timeline.