Planning Forms 53

2.14 NETWORK DIAGRAM

The Network Diagram is a visual display of the relationship between schedule elements. It can be produced at the
activity level, the deliverable level, or the milestone level. The purpose is to visually depict the types of relation-
ships between elements. The elements are shown at nodes that are connected by lines with arrows that indicate the
nature of the relationship. Relationships can be of four types:

1. Finish-to-start (FS). This is the most common type of relationship. The predecessor element must be com-
plete before the successor element can begin.
2. Start-to-start (SS). In this relationship, the predecessor element must begin before the successor element
begins.
3. Finish-to-finish (FF). In this relationship, the predecessor element must be complete before the successor
element can be complete.
4. Start-to-finish (SF). This is the least common type of relationship. The successor element must begin
before the predecessor element can be complete.

In addition to the types of relationships, the Network Diagram may show modifications to the relationships,
such as leads or lags:

• A lag is a directed delay between elements. In a finish-to-start relationship with a three-day lag, the suc-
cessor activity would not start until three days after the predecessor was complete. This would be shown as
FS+3d. Lag is not float.
• A lead is an acceleration between elements. In a finish-to-start relationship with a three-day lead, the suc-
cessor activity would begin three days before the predecessor was complete. This would be shown as
FS–3d.
• Leads and lags can be applied to any type of relationship.

Use the information from your project to determine the level of detail and the need for a Network Diagram.

The Network Diagram can receive information from:

• Schedule Management Plan

• Activity List
• Activity Attributes
• Milestone List
• Project Scope Statement

It provides information to:

• Project Schedule

The Network Diagram is an output from the process 6.3 Sequence Activities in the PMBOK® Guide—Fifth
Edition.

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