Project Management: Work Breakdown Structure

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Questions and Answers

What does WBS stand for?

Work Breakdown Structure

Which of the following is NOT a rule of thumb for creating a WBS?

Everything (and nothing else) is in place.

Bottom level work packages should require between 1 man-week and 1 man-month of effort.

The quality of the WBS is high.

Make sure all paths go the same level. (correct)

WBS can be represented in both graphical and textual formats.

True

WBS shows dependencies and durations.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a benefit of using a WBS?

All of the above. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three types of WBS?

Process WBS Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a WBS Dictionary?

To specific further information about the entries or elements of a WBS. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the ME rule?

Ensure that all work items are separate and distinct. Signup and view all the answers

The 100% rule pertains to the identification of work items.

True Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of coherence in a WBS.

Tasks within a particular work package should all contribute to the same goal. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main objective of the "Coupling" rule when building a WBS?

Reduce dependencies between work packages for smoother execution. Signup and view all the answers

A "work-package" in a WBS can be made up of more elementary activities.

True Signup and view all the answers

What criteria are used to determine the size of a work-package? (Provide two examples)

One is the "DOD and NASA Guide to PERT COST" which suggests a work-package should not exceed 3 months of work or $100,000 of expenditure. Other standards recommend work-packages be completed within 1-2 weeks by 1-2 people. Signup and view all the answers

The level of detail in a WBS is dependent on the project's size.

True Signup and view all the answers

A process WBS develops according to the phases of a project.

True Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of a process WBS.

Requirements Analysis, Analysis and Design, Coding, Testing Signup and view all the answers

Geographical WBS is widely used in project management.

False Signup and view all the answers

Explain the concept of "CWBS" in the context of WBS.

Contract WBS (CWBS) is a type of WBS used for subcontracting system development. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A WBS is a deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of work.
It's used by project teams to achieve project objectives and create deliverables.

Goals of the Unit

Understand the transition from project goals to the project schedule.
Introduce WBS notation.

WBS Structure and Process

The WBS is part of the project planning phase.
The WBS is used with other project management areas like change control.
Sequential tasks are connected to each other. A starting point and finishing point are defined and the tasks are connected.
The process includes steps like initiating, planning, executing, & closing.

WBS Format and Components

Two formats exist: graphical (tree diagrams in programs like Vision, Graffle, and LibreOffice) and textual (MS Word, Text Editor, and Outliners).
A decimal numbering system is used to identify elements (e.g., 3.1.5).
"Is contained in" relationships are shown.
Dependencies and durations are not shown in the WBS.

Why is a WBS Useful?

Establishes the basis for defining project work.
Shows how tasks/activities relate to project objectives.
Creates a framework for defining, assigning, and monitoring work and costs.
Identifies the organizational units responsible for completing project work.

WBS Rules of Thumb

Everything (and nothing else): All required work items should be included and no unnecessary items should be present. The 100% rule applies to ensure comprehensive item coverage. The Mutually Exclusive rule means tasks shouldn't overlap.
Balanced Paths: Not required; not all paths need to be the same level.
High Quality WBS:
Coherence: Tasks within work packages should share the same goal.
Coupling: Minimize task dependencies between work packages.
Continuity: Work packages should be full-time to maximize efficiency.
Cost: Work packages should require effort between one person-week and one person-month.

Stopping Point in Constructing a WBS

Work package level is the standard stopping point.
Note: individual work packages may contain more elementary activities.
The size of a work package will depend on project size:
NASA/DOD PERT Cost standard: Work package duration is no more than 3 months of effort or $100,000.
Other standards: approximately 1-2 weeks of effort or 1-2 people capacity.

WBS Types

Product: Based on the structure of required outputs. It can start from a Product Breakdown Structure.
Process: Based on the project phases (e.g., Requirements, Analysis, Design, Testing).
Hybrid: Combines the product and process approaches.
Organizational WBS/Geographical WBS: Higher levels represent organizational units/geographically distributed teams; lower levels define task responsibilities at the unit or team level.
Program WBS (PWBS): Used to coordinate projects within a larger program.
Contract WBS (CWBS): Used as the basis for subcontracting work/system development. Commonly used by NASA.

WBS Dictionary

A WBS dictionary provides more details on each WBS item.
Typical information included includes: detailed descriptions, work quantities, and contractual elements.
Rules of thumb include that all entries could have additional entries, details increasing as you move from upper to lower levels of the tree. A best practice is to ensure work packages are completed as described in the Dictionary.

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Description

This quiz explores the concepts of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in project management. You'll learn how WBS aids in achieving project objectives, its structure, and its important components. Test your knowledge on WBS notation and its application in project planning.