Why are Dependencies in Project Management Important to Agile Teams?

1. Why are Dependencies in Project Management Important to Agile Teams? Every project consists of tasks and there are dependencies on these tasks. In an Agile Project Management, dependencies can be seen as a relationship between the tasks that determine the sequence in which these tasks need to be completed. Agile teams must be proficient in managing dependencies that means analyzing and managing the dependencies arising within teams as well as external to the teams. Agile projects always incorporate dependencies into their projects and teams. Like if a developer develops one feature it is been tested by a tester, this also helps to share the responsibility and the tasks can be completed on time without errors. So how do Agile Teams Manage Dependencies? Agile teams manage dependencies most effectively. Firstly, they analyze the dependencies that exist among the people, processes, and the overall system. Then they work on defining the relationships between these tasks. Then they identify and separate the tasks which can be handled without any dependencies. Then perform dependency mapping between these various tasks, people, and processes. To perform this, the team makes use of the advanced tools to convert these dependencies into a real-time implementation project plan. Factors affecting Task Dependencies The Agile teams classify tasks based on various factors like:  Logic-Based Dependencies  Resource-Based Dependencies   Preferential Dependencies

2. Types of Dependencies There are four main types of Task Dependencies Finish to Start: In this, the second task cannot start unless the first task is completed. This follows a sequential approach. For example, the owner of the land can build a flat only after purchasing it. Start to Finish: In this, the first task cannot be finished until the second task is started, for example, the shift or work of the first security guard is finished only the second security guard comes to work. Start to Start: In this, the second task cannot begin the first task hasn’t begun. For example, for a writer, unless the content is developed he cannot edit it. Finish to Finish: In this, the second task cannot finish until the first task is finished. For example, in online shopping, here the sale can’t be closed unless product delivery and payment are received from the customer. To learn more about importance of dependencies to Agile teams