How to Get a Job For Project Managers

Learn how to write resume and interview

Leadership for Project Managers

Learn how to lead and drive project success.

Project Management with AI

From a beginner to project management professional.

Agile Project Management and SCRUM with AI

Learn to run Scrum and Agile with AI.

Mandatory Dependency

A dependency where the sequence of activities is dictated by a contract or by the inherent, built-in logic of the work, leaving no practical alternative order.

Key Points

  • Non-negotiable: the order is fixed by contract terms or the nature of the tasks.
  • Often modeled as finish-to-start, though any logical relationship can apply.
  • Misclassifying it as discretionary can create unrealistic schedules and rework.
  • Confirm through contract documents, technical constraints, and compliance needs.

Example

The contract requires customer approval of requirements before design begins, and the structure must be built only after the foundation is poured and cured. Both sequences are mandatory because they are either contractually required or inherent in the work.

PMP Example Question

Which scenario best represents a mandatory dependency?

  1. The contract requires client sign-off on requirements before design can start.
  2. The team prefers to finish user documentation before development for clarity.
  3. Testing is delayed while waiting for a third-party tool license renewal.
  4. Two activities are sequenced because the same engineer is needed for both.

Correct Answer: A — Mandatory dependency

Explanation: Option A is mandated by contract, fitting a mandatory dependency. B is discretionary, C is an external dependency, and D is a resource-driven constraint.

Project Management with AI: From Initiation to Closing

Build a practical project management process from initiation to closing with our Project Management: From Initiation to Closing with AI course. Learn how to move from informal project coordination to a structured, repeatable approach using PMBOK-aligned workflows, real examples, and professional templates.

This hands-on course follows a complete project lifecycle. You will learn how to write a project charter, define scope, build a work breakdown structure, develop a schedule, estimate costs, manage risks, engage stakeholders, execute the work, monitor performance, and close the project properly.

You will also learn how to use AI tools to accelerate project management work. The course includes reusable prompts, downloadable templates, assignments, and worked examples that show how project documents connect from one stage to the next.

The course is designed for professionals, team leads, coordinators, analysts, and new project managers who need practical skills they can apply at work. Enroll now and build the confidence to manage projects with structure, clarity, and control.



Stop Managing Admin. Start Leading the Future!

HK School of Management helps you master AI-Prompt Engineering to automate chaos and drive strategic value. Move beyond status reports and risk logs by turning AI into your most capable assistant. Learn the core elements of prompt engineering to save hours every week and focus on high-value leadership. For the price of lunch, you get practical frameworks to future-proof your career and solve the blank page problem immediately. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee-zero risk, real impact.

Enroll Now