What does the term 'linear' imply in project management?

In project management, the term 'linear' indicates a sequential approach to completing tasks and phases, meaning that one phase must be completed fully before the next one can begin. This structured, step-by-step methodology is often found in traditional project management frameworks, where the flow of the project cannot proceed until prior work is finalized. This helps to establish clear timelines, responsibilities, and expectations, ensuring that project deliverables are completed in an orderly fashion without skipping essential parts.

In contrast, concepts like simultaneous task completion, frequent revisions, or adaptability generally align with more flexible project management methodologies, such as Agile, which do not adhere strictly to a linear timeline. These methodologies prioritize iterative progress and adjustments based on ongoing feedback, differing fundamentally from the linear approach where everything is predetermined and must follow a strict order.