Appendix B
Dependencies determine the relationship between the proposed item and other items /portfolios.
A dependency has the following properties:
- Direction: Is the proposed item dependent on another item / portfolio, or does it support another item/portfolio?
- Type: Classifies the dependency, e.g., software/hardware/ firmware; or, mandatory / optional. Type is a userdefinable values list. For more information about values lists refer to Value Lists in Configuring the System Components.
- Weight: Determines the overall importance of the dependency and its contribution to the portfolio. Weight is a userdefinable value list. For more information about values lists refer to Value Lists in Configuring the System Components.
- Cost: A quantitative measure of the dependency. Cost units are userdefinable and can be money, time, etc. For more information about units refer to General Dependency Options in Working with Dependencies.
Each tab can include as many dependencies lists as the number of direction-type combinations.
A Dependencies List displays the following information:
- Dependencies List Header: Shows the Dependencies List’s Label, its Direction and the dependency Type.
- Direction: Defines the direction of the Dependencies List. The direction can be defined as either Depends On, or Supports.
- Type: When the Dependencies List type is defined as All, you may click the Type drop-list to display and select another Type option to filter the list by.
When the Dependencies List type is specified in advance, there is no drop-list and the type is simply stated in the heading.
- Dependencies list: Includes various columns grouped under Dependency Properties and Item Properties. To sort the table, click the column heading. The columns are:
- Item Name: Displays a numbered list of items/portfolios. An item is preceded by
. A candidate item is preceded by 
. A portfolio is preceded by 
.
- Item Name: Displays a numbered list of items/portfolios. An item is preceded by
- Dependency Properties columns: The listed items are described in two types of columns: Dependency Properties, and Item Properties. By default the Dependency columns include Type, Weight, Cost and Annotation. These columns are used to describe the dependency relationship. The Item Properties describe the listed item itself.
- Type: The dependency type(s) as defined in by the user.
- Weight: The overall importance of the dependency and its contribution to the portfolio.
- Cost: The quantitative measure of the dependency and the defined units.
- Annotation: If there is an annotation associated with the dependency an annotation icon appears in this column.
- Item Properties columns:
- Manager: Name of the manager responsible for the item/portfolio.
- Start Date: Item start date.
- End Date: Item end date.
- Current Phase: Item current phase.
- Annotation Box: Displays a description of the relationship of the proposed item. This description is also displayed in the reverse list.