What type of relationship allows one project phase to begin before the previous phase is complete?

The type of relationship that allows one project phase to begin before the previous phase is complete is known as the overlapping relationship. This approach is often used in project management to optimize time and resources. By allowing phases to overlap, the project can move forward more quickly, as tasks from different phases can be worked on simultaneously.

This overlapping technique is particularly beneficial in projects where timing is critical, and it leverages concurrent work to enhance efficiency. For instance, if initial planning is underway, team members might also begin preliminary activities for the next phase, such as design or execution, to keep the project on track.

In contrast, sequential and consecutive relationships require that one phase is fully completed before moving on to the next, which may lead to increased project duration. Parallel relationships, while similar in nature to overlapping, usually refer specifically to tasks rather than phases, and they denote tasks that are performed simultaneously, not phases that intrude into one another. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the flexibility and efficiency gained through overlapping phases in project management.