HKSM
Start-to-Finish (SF)
A dependency where an earlier activity is not allowed to complete until the later activity has begun.
Key Points
- The predecessor cannot finish until the successor has started.
- This relationship is uncommon and often used for shift handoffs or custodial control.
- You can apply lag so the predecessor finishes some time after the successor starts.
- It restricts only the predecessor's finish; it does not set when either task must start or when the successor must finish.
Example
The night support team (predecessor) cannot end their shift until the day support team (successor) starts work. The start of the day shift authorizes the night shift to finish.
PMP Example Question
Which dependency best models a scenario where an outgoing operations team cannot close their activities until the incoming team begins their shift?
- Finish-to-Start (FS)
- Start-to-Start (SS)
- Start-to-Finish (SF)
- Finish-to-Finish (FF)
Correct Answer: C — Start-to-Finish (SF) relationship
Explanation: In an SF dependency, the predecessor's finish is contingent on the successor's start, which matches a shift handover scenario.
