What are three basic types of project phase-to-phase relationships?

Question

Options

• ASequential, Overlapping, Non-overlapping
• BSequential, Iterative, Overlapping
• CSequential, Non-overlapping, Iterative
• DIterative, Overlapping, Non-overlapping

• A
  11% (3)
• B
  71% (20)
• C
  14% (4)
• D
  4% (1)

Explanation

Option B is correct because the PMI/PMBOK framework defines exactly three phase-to-phase relationships: Sequential (one phase must finish before the next begins), Iterative (phases are planned one at a time, with the next phase planned based on outcomes of the current one), and Overlapping (a phase starts before the previous one finishes, sometimes called fast tracking).

Why the distractors fail: Options A and C both include "Non-overlapping" - this is not a recognized PMBOK term for a phase relationship. It's a plausible-sounding distractor, but the official taxonomy uses Iterative, not Non-overlapping, as the third type. Option D drops Sequential entirely, which is fundamental and cannot be omitted.

Memory tip: Think S-I-O - "Some Initiatives Overlap." Sequential → Iterative → Overlapping. If you see "Non-overlapping" as a choice, eliminate it immediately - it's the trap in every version of this question.

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