External Dependencies
External dependencies involve a relationship between project activities and non-project activities that are outside the project team's control.
Explanation
External dependencies exist when project activities depend on factors outside the project team's authority or control. These dependencies typically involve third parties, regulatory bodies, vendors, or other projects within the organization. Because they are outside the team's direct control, external dependencies introduce additional uncertainty and risk into the schedule.
Examples of external dependencies include waiting for a government agency to issue a permit before construction can begin, depending on a vendor to deliver equipment before installation activities can start, or needing another project team to complete an interface before integration testing can proceed. These dependencies cannot be managed solely through internal project decisions.
External dependencies require proactive monitoring and communication with the external parties involved. The project manager should track the status of external dependencies closely and may need to build buffer time into the schedule to account for potential delays. External dependencies can be either mandatory (legally required permits) or discretionary (choosing to wait for a vendor recommendation rather than proceeding independently).
Key Points
- •Involve relationships with activities outside the project team's control
- •Include vendor deliveries, permits, regulatory approvals, and other project outputs
- •Introduce additional risk and uncertainty into the schedule
- •Require proactive monitoring and communication with external parties
Exam Tip
External dependencies are outside your control, so they carry higher schedule risk. Build buffers and monitor them closely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Internal Dependencies
Internal dependencies involve a relationship between project activities that are within the project team's control.
Mandatory Dependencies
Mandatory dependencies are those that are legally or contractually required or inherent in the nature of the work, often involving physical limitations.
Discretionary Dependencies
Discretionary dependencies are established by the project team based on knowledge of best practices, preferred sequencing, or past experience, even though other sequences are possible.
Sequence Activities
Sequence Activities is the process of identifying and documenting relationships among the project activities.
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