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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.

ICS/OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals — Security Built for Industrial Systems

Industrial control systems cannot be secured like ordinary IT. A forced reboot, aggressive scan, or incompatible patch can interrupt production and create real safety consequences. Effective OT security begins with understanding the systems, constraints, and risks unique to industrial environments.

This course gives IT professionals, engineers, operators, and security practitioners a practical foundation in ICS threats, zone and conduit design, risk assessment, passive asset visibility, and vendor evaluation. You will learn how IEC 62443, NIST CSF, and MITRE ATT&CK for ICS apply where availability and safety come first.

Eight reconstructed incidents—including Stuxnet, Triton, Ukraine 2015, Colonial Pipeline, and PIPEDREAM—show how attackers move through OT environments, what they target, and which defenses could have changed the outcome.

Watch the course preview, then build the vocabulary, frameworks, and judgment needed to take credible first steps in ICS/OT cybersecurity.

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ICS/OT Cybersecurity Fundamentals course preview

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