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What does WBS stand for?
Work Breakdown Structure
Why do we use WBS?
To estimate project cost, establish dependencies, determine project timeline, write a statement of work, assign responsibilities, track project progress, and identify risks.
When do we create a WBS?
Making a WBS is the first step in developing a project schedule.
How does WBS fit into programming?
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Which of the following is a rule for making a work breakdown structure?
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What is included in the 'Exterior Walls' element of the Rawlinsons Elemental Breakdown?
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The Masterspec CBI (Co-ordinated Building Information) classification system is a type of WBS framework.
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What is the purpose of creating a WBS?
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The WBS should be divided into a maximum of _______ levels.
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Match the following elements with their corresponding descriptions:
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What should be included in a WBS task?
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The WBS should include duplicate tasks to ensure all work is covered.
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What is the benefit of using a WBS framework?
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The WBS should be project-specific, meaning it should include only tasks that are _______ to the project.
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What is the purpose of assigning a budget to each work package in a WBS?
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Study Notes
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- A project management tool that takes a step-by-step approach to complete large projects with several moving parts.
- Breaks down the project into smaller components, integrating scope, cost, and deliverables into a single tool.
WBS vs. Programme
- WBS: Comprehensive classification of project scope, containing no activity duration, no resource assignments, and no dependencies.
- Programme: Actual work to be done (only the activities on the last level of the WBS), containing activity durations, resource assignments, and dependencies.
Why Use WBS?
- Estimate the cost of a project.
- Establish dependencies.
- Determine a project timeline and develop a schedule.
- Write a statement of work (SOW).
- Assign responsibilities and clarify roles.
- Track the progress of a project.
- Identify risk.
When to Create a WBS?
- The first step in developing a project schedule.
- Defines all the work that needs to be completed (and in what order) to achieve the project goals and objectives.
How Does WBS Fit into Programming?
- Record the overarching objective.
- Divide the overarching objective into smaller and smaller pieces, but stop before listing out every action that must be taken.
- Focus on concrete deliverables rather than actions.
Tips for Making a WBS
- The 100% rule: The work represented by the WBS must include 100% of the work necessary to complete the overarching goal without including any extraneous or unrelated work.
- Three levels: A WBS should include about three levels of detail.
- Mutually exclusive: Do not include a sub-task twice or account for any amount of work twice.
- Make assignments: Every work package should be assigned to a specific team or individual.
- Outcomes, not actions: Focus on deliverables and outcomes rather than actions.
Examples of WBS Frameworks
- Definition of Elements (Rawlinsons): A framework for building construction projects, including structure, site preparation, substructure, frame, structural walls, upper floors, exterior fabric, and more.
- Masterspec CBI (Co-ordinated Building Information) classification system: A framework for building construction projects.
Activity: Creating a WBS for a House
- Familiarise yourself with the plans provided.
- Use the Rawlinsons Elemental Breakdown as the framework.
- Obey the rules of WBS.
- Use appropriate item numbering.
- Arrive at the level where you have clear tasks.
- Be project specific.
WBS and Programme Distinction
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a comprehensive classification of project scope, whereas a programme is actual work to be done, with activity durations, resource assignments, and dependencies.
What is a WBS?
- A WBS is a project management tool that breaks down a large project into smaller components to integrate scope, cost, and deliverables.
- It takes a step-by-step approach to complete large projects with several moving pieces.
Why do we use WBS?
- To estimate the cost of a project
- To establish dependencies
- To determine a project timeline and develop a schedule
- To write a statement of work (SOW)
- To assign responsibilities and clarify roles
- To track the progress of a project
- To identify risk
When do we create a WBS?
- As the first step in developing a project schedule
- To define all the work that needs to be completed to achieve project goals and objectives
How does WBS fit into programming?
- Record the overarching objective to be accomplished
- Divide the objective into smaller and smaller pieces, focusing on concrete deliverables rather than actions
Tips for making a WBS
- Follow the 100% rule: the WBS must include 100% of the work necessary to complete the overarching goal
- Ensure child tasks on any level account for all the work necessary to complete the parent task
- Use three levels of detail
- Make assignments: every work package should be assigned to a specific team or individual
- Focus on outcomes, not actions: remember to focus on deliverables and outcomes rather than actions
Examples of WBS
- Definition of Elements (Rawlinsons) framework: uses categories like Structure, Site Preparation, Substructure, Frame, and more
- Masterspec CBI (Co-ordinated Building Information) classification system
- Examples of WBS format: notice how the rules of building a WBS are applied in the example, with a maximum of three levels, allocation of effort across all work packages, and no duplication of work.
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Description
This quiz covers the basics of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), including its definition, importance, and creation. It also explores how WBS fits into programming and provides tips for making a effective WBS.
