Tom is the project manager for the ABC Construction Company. As part of the project scheduling
for the construction of a new office building, he has allotted time for the inspectors of the building
structure, as well as electrical, plumbing, and safety into the project’s schedule. These inspectors
can be considered what type of dependency in the project?
A.
Mandatory dependencies
B.
Required dependencies
C.
Discretionary dependencies
D.
External dependencies
Explanation:
An external dependency is any nonproject activity that is external to the project but has a direct
impact on the project activities. An external dependency may be an inspector or any agency that
may have to give prior approval before the project can move forward.
Answer option B is incorrect. Required dependency is not a valid term to describe a dependency.
Answer option A is incorrect. Mandatory dependencies describe the required order in which the
project work must take place – such as foundation before framing, or the operating system
installed before the application may be installed.
Answer option C is incorrect. Discretionary dependencies describe the optional order of the project
work, such as painting the walls before installing the carpet.