In Project Time Management, which of the following combinations correctly identifies a typical input, a tool or technique, and a primary output of the Activity Sequencing process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Activity list; precedence diagramming method PDM; project schedule network diagram

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Activity Sequencing known as Sequence Activities in newer PMBOK editions is the process in Project Time Management where the project team identifies and documents logical relationships between schedule activities. The result is a network of dependencies that will later be used to develop the project schedule. Recognising the key ITTOs for Activity Sequencing helps distinguish it from defining activities and estimating durations.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The knowledge area is Project Time Management.
  • The process under discussion is Activity Sequencing or Sequence Activities.
  • We want one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
  • An activity list already exists from the Activity Definition process.
  • The goal is to determine the order and dependencies among these activities.


Concept / Approach:
Activity Sequencing uses the activity list, activity attributes, and milestone list as key inputs. These documents describe the activities and constraints that affect their ordering. A central tool and technique is the precedence diagramming method PDM, which visually represents activities as nodes and dependencies as arrows, using relationships such as finish to start or start to start. The primary output is the project schedule network diagram, a graphical representation of the logical sequence of activities. This diagram becomes the foundation for schedule development and critical path analysis.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the logical input. The activity list is essential because you cannot sequence activities that have not been defined. Step 2: Select a key tool or technique. The precedence diagramming method PDM is the standard way to model dependencies and is specifically associated with Activity Sequencing. Step 3: Determine the main output. The project schedule network diagram shows all activities and their logical relationships and is the central deliverable of this process. Step 4: Choose the answer option that includes activity list, PDM, and project schedule network diagram. Step 5: Verify that other options refer to cost management, quality management, scope management, or human resource management, not time based sequencing.


Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK style content for Sequence Activities lists activity list, activity attributes, milestone list, and project scope statement as inputs. Tools and techniques include precedence diagramming method, dependency determination, leads and lags, and application of project management software. Outputs include the project schedule network diagrams and project document updates. This confirms that the combination used in the correct answer accurately captures the essence of the process.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B is clearly linked to cost control and earned value management, not activity sequencing. Option C references quality control techniques. Option D belongs to scope management processes such as Create WBS. Option E again refers to Acquire Project Team in human resource management rather than sequencing activities.


Common Pitfalls:
Many students memorise PDM but forget that its primary output is the schedule network diagram, not the final project schedule. Another common error is to confuse Activity Sequencing with Schedule Development; the former determines logical order, while the latter performs analysis to create a time based schedule. Keeping the distinction clear helps in answering PMP questions that focus on specific ITTOs.


Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Activity Sequencing is activity list; precedence diagramming method PDM; project schedule network diagram.

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