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?

  1. Predecessor activity
  2. Successor activity
  3. Milestone
  4. 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.

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