What is a series of tasks that, if delayed, affects the completion date of the overall project called?

The term that refers to a series of tasks wherein any delay would impact the overall project completion date is known as the critical path. This concept is essential in project management, as it helps identify the longest stretch of dependent activities and measure the time required to complete them from start to finish.

Understanding the critical path is crucial because it allows project managers to prioritize monitoring and managing these tasks to avoid project delays. By focusing on the critical path, project managers can allocate resources effectively, identify potential risks, and make informed decisions to keep the project on track. If any task along this critical path is postponed, it will directly affect the project's final delivery date, highlighting the significance of each activity within the sequence.

While task sequences, Gantt charts, and milestones contribute to project planning and scheduling, they do not inherently indicate a dependency relationship where delays would automatically result in a project delay. Thus, recognizing and maintaining the critical path is vital for successful project management.