Nursing Professional Development Certification (NPD-BC) Practice Exam

In developing a Gantt chart, which type of dependency requires that the predecessor begins before the successor ends?

1. Finish-to-finish

2. Start-to-start

3. Finish-to-start

4. Start-to-finish

The correct answer is: Start-to-finish

The type of dependency that requires the predecessor to begin before the successor ends is known as Start-to-finish. In this scenario, the preceding task must start for the subsequent task to be completed. This is conceptually uncommon compared to other dependency types, as it suggests that the completion of the first task is reliant not just on its completion but also on its initiation. Start-to-finish dependencies are not often encountered because they can complicate project scheduling. For example, this might apply in situations where a new task cannot be considered complete until the task it depends on has started, highlighting an unusual but necessary relationship in certain workflow scenarios. Understanding the nature of this dependency is crucial in project management contexts, such as when using Gantt charts to visualize timelines and task relationships. It emphasizes the need for careful planning and coordination, especially in complex projects with interdependent tasks.