Final answer:
A predecessor task in project management is a task that must be completed prior to the beginning of work on the actual project itself. It sets the foundation for the project and determines the start date of subsequent tasks or the entire project.
Step-by-step explanation:
A predecessor task in project management is a task that must be completed prior to the beginning of work on the actual project itself. It is a task that sets the foundation for the project and needs to be finished before other related tasks can start. The completion of a predecessor task often determines the start date of subsequent tasks or the entire project.
For example, let's say you are managing a construction project to build a house. The site preparation, such as clearing the land and pouring the foundation, would be predecessor tasks because they need to be completed before the actual construction work can begin.
Predecessor tasks are important for establishing the sequence and timeline of project activities. They help ensure that tasks are completed in the correct order and enable better planning and scheduling of resources.