Which of the following describes a sequential relationship in project phases?

The concept of a sequential relationship in project phases is best described by phases that occur one after another without any overlap. This means that the completion of one phase is a prerequisite for starting the next phase, creating a clear and linear progression through the project lifecycle.

In project management methodologies that follow a sequential approach, such as the Waterfall model, each phase must be fully completed, including all its deliverables and approvals, before moving on to the next. This ensures that each component of the project is thoroughly addressed and that there’s a structured timeline that guides progress.

The other choices highlight different types of relationships between project phases. For example, simultaneous phases suggest a concurrent approach where multiple activities are happening at the same time, while overlapping phases indicate periods where tasks from different phases occur together. Finally, the ability to complete phases in any order points toward a more flexible or iterative approach, such as Agile methodologies, which contrasts with the rigid structure of sequential relationships.