How can you prioritize tasks based on their dependencies?

1 Define and identify dependencies

Before you can prioritize tasks, you need to understand what dependencies are and how they affect your project. Dependencies are the relationships between tasks that determine the order and timing of their execution. For example, you cannot test a feature until it is developed, or you cannot deploy a code until it is reviewed. Dependencies can be internal (within your team or project scope) or external (involving other teams, stakeholders, or resources). To identify dependencies, you can use a work breakdown structure (WBS) to break down your project into smaller and manageable tasks, and then map out the logical sequence and flow of each task.

2 Categorize and analyze dependencies

Once you have identified the dependencies, you need to categorize and analyze them according to their types and impacts. There are four common types of dependencies: finish-to-start (FS), where a task cannot start until another task finishes; start-to-start (SS), where a task cannot start until another task starts; finish-to-finish (FF), where a task cannot finish until another task finishes; and start-to-finish (SF), where a task cannot finish until another task starts. Depending on the type of dependency, you may need to adjust the duration, schedule, or resources of your tasks. You also need to analyze the impacts of dependencies on your project objectives, such as scope, quality, cost, and time. For example, you may need to consider the risks, uncertainties, or constraints associated with each dependency, and how they may affect your project performance or deliverables.

4 Monitor and manage dependencies

Finally, you need to monitor and manage the dependencies throughout the project lifecycle, and be ready to deal with any changes, issues, or risks that may arise. You can use various techniques and tools to help you monitor and manage dependencies, such as the dependency matrix, the risk register, or the change request form. The dependency matrix is a tool that tracks the status, priority, and responsibility of each dependency in a table format. The risk register is a tool that records the identification, assessment, and mitigation of the risks associated with each dependency. The change request form is a tool that documents the request, approval, and implementation of any changes to the project scope, schedule, or resources due to the dependencies.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?