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Questions and Answers
What does WBS stand for?
What does WBS stand for?
Work Breakdown Structure
Why do we use WBS?
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?
When do we create a WBS?
Making a WBS is the first step in developing a project schedule.
How does WBS fit into programming?
How does WBS fit into programming?
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Which of the following is a rule for making a work breakdown structure?
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?
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.
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?
What is the purpose of creating a WBS?
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The WBS should be divided into a maximum of _______ levels.
The WBS should be divided into a maximum of _______ levels.
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Match the following elements with their corresponding descriptions:
Match the following elements with their corresponding descriptions:
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What should be included in a WBS task?
What should be included in a WBS task?
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The WBS should include duplicate tasks to ensure all work is covered.
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?
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.
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?
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.