A Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM), which is sometimes also known as the Activity on Node (AON) Diagramming Method, is a graphical representation technique, which shows the inter-dependencies among various project activities. This diagramming method is used to draw the project schedule network diagrams – for example the Critical Path Network Diagram and the Critical Chain Network Diagram.
I hope that you may have heard about another less commonly used technique in diagramming methods – the Activity on Arrow (AOA) diagramming method, which is a special case of the Precedence Diagramming Method. In AOA, all dependencies are Finish to Start, and the duration is shown on arrows. That is why, this diagramming method is known as the Activity on Arrow (AOA) diagram.
Activity on Arrow (AOA) diagram emphasizes on milestones (events), and the PDM diagram emphasizes the tasks.
The main benefit of Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) is that it shows the activity dependencies, and it also an important communication tool for stakeholders.
The Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) consists of rectangles known as nodes, and the project activities are shown in these boxes. These rectangular boxes are connected to each other through an arrow to show the dependencies; therefore, these diagrams are also known as the Activity on Node (AON) diagrams.
The Precedence Diagramming Method uses four types of dependencies. Those dependencies are as follows:
1. Finish to Start (FS)
2. Finish to Finish (FF)
3. Start To Start (SS)
4. Start to Finish (SF)
Finish to Start (FS)
In this type of dependency, the second activity can not be started until the first activity completes. This type of dependency is the most commonly used dependency in the diagramming techniques.
For example, to paint a wall first you need to build a wall. In this case, first activity is building the wall and second activity will be painting. You can not start painting the wall unless the wall is ready.
Finish to Finish (FF)
Here, the second activity cannot be finished until the first activity finishes; in other words, both activities should finish simultaneously.
For example, let us say that you coding a program for a client, and the client is providing you the characteristics of the program. In this case you can not finish coding for your program until the client gives you his complete requirements. Here, both activities should finish simultaneously.
Start to Start (SS)
Here, the second activity cannot be started until the first activity starts; both activities should start simultaneously.
Suppose you have to apply primary coating on the wall. To apply the coating, you also need to clean the wall. Therefore, one team will start cleaning the wall and second team will paint it. Both activities can be started at the same time.
Start to Finish (SF)
In this type of dependency, the second activity cannot be finished until the first activity starts.
For example, let us say you have to move into a new home, and your old home has to be demolished. In this case, you can not move to your new home until it is ready. Hence, the second activity (construction of new home) must be finished before the first activity starts (you start moving into new home); i.e. if you are moving into your new home, you cannot start vacating your old home until the new house is completely ready.
Although, this type of dependency is not very commonly used, you as a project manager must know about the all types of dependencies.
It is very important for you as the project manager to understand all types of dependencies because it will help you considerablywhen drawing the network diagram and then creating the project schedule.
This was all about the precedence diagram method and the type of dependencies used in making the diagram.
In this blog post, I tried to give you the simplest examples of each type of dependencies used in project schedule network diagram; however, if you feel there could be any other simpler example, then you can share in the comments section.
This topic is also very important from the PMP Exam point of view. Please understand these task dependencies for the precedence diagramming method and also remember the exhibits showing these dependencies. You may see one or two questions from this topic in your PMP Certification exam.
image credit (top) =>adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I don't agree with the explanation above for START-FIHNISH dependency. When you say
"…you can not move to your new home until it is ready. Hence, second activity (construction of new home) must be finished before first activity starts (you start moving into new home)…"
you're just defining a FINISH-STAR dependency where the precedent activity is CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOME and the subsecuent activity is MOVE IN NEW HOME.
Think in this way –
You have to vacate your home as first activity, and moving into new home as second activity.
Now, you can not move into new home until it is completed.
This example is just to make picture clear to you. Anyway, if you can suggest any other good example, you are welcome…
And, thanks for stopping by!
I agree with Spanish. I am struggling with an example for start to finish that makes sense. Your example appears to simply be poor sequencing of activities. I’m hoping there is a sr pm out there who can help.
Hello Newb,
Start to finish is very rare sequence of activity and not used very frequently. While writing this blog post, I tried to find a good and simple example of it. Although, I found few examples of this activity but they were all very typical and not easy to understand.
Therefore, I thought myself and came up a simple example of this sequence. I agree with you that this may not be the perfect example, but if you consider the scenario given in the example, I believe that it serves its purpose.
Really helped me in my assignment….fanks
I am glad that it helped you.
This is very helpful site Thanks.
Can some one post lots of CPM (Time management) and costing examples? I started solving practice test, I found that, I’m spending lot of time thinking about complicated CPM and costing problems. I need to do more practice with this.
I will appreciate, if some one suggest me good web sites for these examples.
Thank you.
Hello Mahesh,
Not specifically for time and cost management questions, but you can find some sample PMP exam questions here at
http://pmstudycircle.com/pmp-sample-questions