HKSM
Successor Activity
An activity that relies on a predecessor and is scheduled to occur after that earlier task in the sequence of work.
Key Points
- It follows at least one predecessor and its timing is influenced by that predecessor.
- Its relationship to the predecessor can be finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish, or start-to-finish, with possible leads or lags.
- Identifying successors is essential for network diagrams and critical path analysis.
- Changes to a predecessor's dates or duration usually shift the successor's early and late start/finish dates.
Example
"Install wiring" is a successor to "Run conduit" in a finish-to-start relationship with a 1-day lag. Once conduit is complete, the wiring task can begin after the lag.
PMP Example Question
In a finish-to-start relationship with a 2-day lag, which activity begins after the predecessor finishes and the lag has elapsed?
- Predecessor activity
- Successor activity
- Milestone
- Control account
Correct Answer: B — the activity that follows and depends on the prior task
Explanation: The successor starts only after the predecessor completes (plus any lead/lag), making option B correct.
