Start-to-Finish (SF)

Those in project management must be certain to keep a logical flow to their projects. In this case, a successor task cannot start until the predecessor task has started, and this is implemented  in a start-to-finish (SF) model. This is the most logical path to follow when planning a project. Those in project management should be able to communicate the proper start-to-finish (SF) order for activities in the project to their employees. This will create more efficient work and facilitate the completion of the overall project.

Careful planning of a project can avoid wasted time. While the employees might not be aware of which activities are called the successors and which are the predecessors, those in project management must know. A consciousness of successor and predecessor tasks will facilitate the formulation of a start-to-finish (SF) plan for the completion of the project. The only aspect of this plan which the workers should know is that the predecessor activity has to begin before its successor task can be completed. Those in project management can easily convey this start-to-finish (SF) plan by communicating to their employees an ordered list of tasks to accomplish for the completion of the larger project.

This term is defined in the 3rd and the 4th edition of the PMBOK.