Which dependency indicates that a task must finish before its predecessor starts?

The correct answer is identified as the dependency that clearly indicates a task must finish before its predecessor can start. In project management, the Finish-to-Start (FS) dependency is actually the standard relationship that describes this type of sequence, meaning that the first task must be completed before the second task can begin.

Choosing Finish-to-Finish (FF) entails that two tasks must finish at the same time, which does not specifically denote the completion of one before the other can start. Start-to-Start (SS) indicates that two tasks can begin at the same time or that the start of one can depend on the start of another, again not fitting the described condition. Start-to-Finish (SF) is a less commonly used dependency that implies a task cannot finish until another task has started, which is opposite to the requirement stated in the question.

The simplest and most conventional approach to project sequencing, where one task must be fully completed before another can begin, is represented by the Finish-to-Start dependency. Understanding the nuances of these dependencies is crucial in project management to ensure tasks are sequenced effectively, allowing for optimal resource allocation and project completion.