PMP Certification: Sequence Activities (based on PMBOK® Guide, 6th Edition)


  • WHAT Sequence Activities Is. Sequence Activities implies building project schedule network diagrams that visualize the logical order between all the activities and milestones already defined and point out their dependences.
  • WHY Sequence Activities Is Important. If a project manager sequences correctly the interactivity of logical relationships among activities, then the network diagrams generated during the Sequence Activities process will facilitate the development of a realistic, achievable project schedule.
  • WHEN Sequence Activities Is Executed. A project manager uses the Sequence Activities process once the schedule activities that will be chained together are identified.
pmp 2018 pmp certification sequence activities pmbok guide 6th edition tipsographic main

Sequence Activities 101

What Does Sequence Activities Involve and When Do You Perform It in a Project Life Cycle?


  • WHAT Sequence Activities Is. Sequence Activities implies building project schedule network diagrams that visualize the logical order between all the activities and milestones already defined and point out their dependences.
  • WHY Sequence Activities Is Important. If a project manager sequences correctly the interactivity of logical relationships among activities, then the network diagrams generated during the Sequence Activities process will facilitate the development of a realistic, achievable project schedule.
  • WHEN Sequence Activities Is Executed. A project manager uses the Sequence Activities process once the schedule activities that will be chained together are identified.
  • HOW Sequence Activities Operates.
InputsTools and techniquesOutputs
  1. Project management plan
    • Schedule management plan
    • Scope baseline
  2. Project documents
    • Activity attributes
    • Activity list
    • Assumption log
    • Milestone list
  3. Enterprise environmental factors
  4. Organizational process assets
  1. Precedence diagramming method
  2. Dependency determination and integration
  3. Leads and lags
  4. Project management information system
  1. Project schedule network diagrams
  2. Project documents updates
    • Activity attributes
    • Activity list
    • Assumption log
    • Milestone list

Source: PMBOK® Guide, 6th ed., Chapter 6, section 6.3, p. 187.

Sequence Activities Key Terms

What Are the Key Terms to Fully Understand the Process of  Sequencing Activities?


  • Dependency. A relationship between two or more activities or milestones where one activity or milestone must be started or completed before another related activity or milestone may be started or completed.
  • Lag. In a finish-to-start relationship between two scheduled activities, the amount of time a dependent activity must wait after its predecessor finishes before it can start.
  • Lead. In a finish-to-start relationship between two scheduled activities, the amount of time a dependent activity can be advanced with respect to its predecessor.
  • Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM). Also called “activity-on-node” (AON), a graphical representation of activities in the project with nodes to represent them and one or more logical relationships to graphically link them, showing the sequence in which these activities are to be performed.
  • Project Schedule Network Diagram. A graphical representation of the logical relationships between all the activities to be completed on the project.

Sequence Activities Tips

What Are the Best Tips to Answer Correctly the PMP Certification Exam Questions on Sequence Activities Process?


  • Discretionary Dependencies Schedule. Usually performed in sequence, discretionary dependencies can be executed in parallel – but with additional risk.
  • Sequence Vs. Duration. The Sequence Activities process does not establish how long activities will take, only the sequence in which they will occur.

Click here for a detailed analysis of each project management process group and knowledge area.

SOURCES: Project Management Institute (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). 6th ed. Newtown Square: Project Management Institute.

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