CAPM Predictive Plan-Based Methodologies Practice Question
A project manager is reviewing the project schedule and sees that Task D depends on the completion of Task C, but Task C can start only after Task B finishes. Task B can start only after Task A. This is an example of which dependency?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Sequential dependency
The tasks are linked in a series: A→B→C→D. Option A is wrong because parallel dependency allows tasks to overlap, not sequential. Option C is wrong because lag dependency refers to a delay between tasks, not a sequential chain. Option D is wrong because merge activity is when multiple predecessors converge on a single task, which is not the case here.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Parallel dependency
Why it's wrong here
Parallel dependencies describe activities executed simultaneously without a finish-to-start link, whereas the stem shows each task gated by its predecessor's completion. Parallel scheduling would be correct where independent workstreams run concurrently, such as separate teams building unrelated modules with no sequencing constraint between them.
- ✓
Sequential dependency
Why this is correct
Sequential dependency accurately describes this chain, where each task's start is gated by its predecessor's finish (A→B→C→D). The stem's constraint is a strict finish-to-start cascade with no branching or overlap, which is precisely what a sequential relationship defines.
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Lag dependency
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Lag dependency is a delay inserted between tasks, not a sequencing relationship.
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Merge activity
Why it's wrong here
A merge activity has multiple predecessors converging into it; here Task D has a single predecessor, Task C, forming a simple finish-to-start chain. It is tempting because merge points exist in networks, but this stem describes a linear sequence, not convergence.
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