Which capability is essential for an organization to effectively manage dependencies between different activities?

The essential capability for an organization to effectively manage dependencies between different activities is Monitor and Control (MC). This capability involves the processes and activities that ensure that all aspects of a project or a set of activities are on track and functioning as intended. Through effective monitoring and control, an organization can identify and manage interactions among different activities, making adjustments as necessary to address any dependencies that may affect project performance.

By utilizing monitoring and control processes, organizations can track the progress of tasks, assess their interdependencies, and make informed decisions based on real-time data. This helps in minimizing risks, clarifying responsibilities, and ensuring alignment across various activities, which is crucial when managing dependencies. Consequently, when an organization excels in this area, it enhances its ability to maintain an integrated approach to project management, thereby improving overall efficiency and outcomes.

While other capabilities like communication and detail orientation are important in their own right, they do not specifically address the comprehensive oversight required to manage inter-activity dependencies. Structured estimating might provide insights into how long activities will take, but it doesn’t directly relate to the monitoring and control of their interdependencies. Therefore, with regard to managing dependencies between activities, Monitor and Control is the most critical capability.