Create WBS
Create WBS is the process of subdividing project deliverables and project work into smaller, more manageable components.
Explanation
Create WBS is the process that takes the project scope statement and requirements documentation and breaks them down into a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work. The resulting work breakdown structure organizes and defines the total scope of the project, with each descending level representing an increasingly detailed definition of the work.
The primary tool used is decomposition, which involves breaking deliverables into smaller pieces until the work is at a level where it can be reliably estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled. The lowest level of the WBS is called the work package. The team can use a top-down approach, an organization-specific guideline, or WBS templates from previous projects.
The outputs of Create WBS include the scope baseline (the approved scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary) and project documents updates. The scope baseline is a critical component of the project management plan and serves as the reference point against which all scope-related performance is measured.
Key Points
- •Subdivides deliverables and work into smaller, manageable components
- •Primary technique is decomposition
- •Lowest level of the WBS is the work package
- •Produces the scope baseline (scope statement + WBS + WBS dictionary)
Exam Tip
Create WBS is a Planning process. The scope baseline is established here, not during Define Scope. The scope baseline consists of three elements: the scope statement, the WBS, and the WBS dictionary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.
WBS Dictionary
The WBS dictionary is a document that provides detailed deliverable, activity, and scheduling information about each component in the work breakdown structure.
Decomposition
Decomposition is a technique used to divide and subdivide the project scope and deliverables into smaller, more manageable parts until the work is defined at the work package level.
Scope Baseline
The scope baseline is the approved version of the project scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and its associated WBS dictionary, used as a reference for measuring project scope performance.
Work Package
A work package is the lowest level of the work breakdown structure, representing a deliverable or project work component that can be estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled.
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