The Sequence Activities process, which is the third step in Time Management, sequences the activities of a project and creates a Network Diagram. Precedence Diagramming Method, also known as PDM, is the most popular method of creating a Network Diagram. It is important to consider the relationships and dependencies among the activities when sequencing them. As explained in PMP certification training, certain activities depend on each other. There are two types of dependencies between project activities: leads and lags.
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This makes Leads and Lags both important terms in project management. Let’s review these concepts and provide examples. These leads and lags may be asked in PMP exam questions. If you practice with a PMP practice exam, you will most likely have questions about leads or lags.
Definitions of Leads & Lags
Let’s talk about leads and laggeds and give you some real-life examples.
What is Lead Time?
The lead time is the time that the next activity, which is based on the previous activity, will begin before the previous activity finishes.
Let’s take a look at a software development project. The programming of a screen or function may begin before the technical design is complete. The technical design of a screen or function within a software project will outline how it will be developed, buttons that will appear on the screen, and services it will use. The technical design should take 20 days. After 15 days, the majority of the details can be completed so that the software developer can begin to develop the screen with the specific parts. This will reduce the time it takes to complete the design.
This is known as lead time.
What is Lag Time?
Lag time is the time between the previous activity and the next. Let’s take a look at a construction project. Concrete will need to be prepared and poured on the foundations before construction can begin. Construction of the frame usually begins after concrete has been poured. In our case, it took 3 days. This is to ensure a stronger construction.
This is known as lag time in this scenario. It is the time between pouring concrete and constructing the frame.
We looked at what leads and lags are in project management. In short, leads and lags refer to two types of timing dependencies for project activities.
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Review by Miguel Morris: Leads and Lags
5 / 5 stars