Topic
Task & project dependencies
What depends on what, who is waiting on whom, and what happens when something slips. From blocked tasks through the critical chain to Gantt dependencies.
7 articles
What Is a Task Dependency?
A task dependency means one task's completion relies on another task's state. Here's when it's worth recording that relationship, and when it isn't.
Late vs. Blocked Task: What Is the Difference and Why It Matters
A late task could move forward but is not moving fast enough. A blocked task cannot move because it is waiting on something else. They need different handling, and mixing them up sends you looking for the fix in the wrong place.
How to Manage Task Dependencies Throughout a Project
Dependency management is not a one-time mapping exercise but ongoing work. You record the links, give every handoff an owner, and update them whenever the plan changes.
What Types of Task Dependencies Are There?
Task dependencies are usually grouped in two ways. One describes how two tasks connect in time, the other describes what causes the dependency. Here is when each type occurs and which one to start with.
When Should You Create a Dependency Between Two Tasks?
When the second task genuinely cannot start or finish without the first. Any other ordering is fine to agree on informally. Here is how to draw the line.
What Is a Blocked Task?
A blocked task is one that cannot move forward because it is waiting on another task. Here is how it differs from a late task, and what to do about it.
Why do tasks slip when everyone is working?
Most teams are not late out of laziness. Waiting is invisible — and that is exactly what makes it expensive.