Question

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): 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.

According to the PMBOK® Guide, The WBS organizes and defines the total scope of the project and represents the work specified in the current approved project scope statement. The planned work is contained within the lowest level of WBS components, which are called work packages. A work package can be used to group the activities where work is scheduled and estimated, monitored, and controlled. In the context of the WBS, work refers to work products or deliverables that are the result of activity and not to the activity itself.

Project Management Institute, A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, (PMBOK® Guide) - Sixth Edition, Project Management Institute Inc., 2017, Page 157.

The WBS is used to create the project schedule based on the activities needed to complete the work of the project.

Based on the selected project of interest create a WBS. Among other things, be sure to:
a. Identify and analyze the project deliverables

Answer 1

To create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), project deliverables are identified and broken down into work packages. This helps in meticulous planning, resource allocation, risk identification, and progress monitoring, facilitating an organized approach to project management, especially in team-based environments.

Step-by-step explanation:

To create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for a project, we identify and decompose the project's deliverables into smaller, more manageable parts. The delineation of the project into discrete work packages enables an organized approach to planning, scheduling, and assigning responsibilities. This hierarchical decomposition ensures that every aspect of the project's scope is accounted for and monitored throughout the project lifecycle.

The core elements of the WBS consist of the project's main deliverables, which are then subdivided into smaller components and work packages. The project management process is then applied to these packages to make sure each task is thoroughly planned, resourced, and executed. By analyzing the deliverables at each level, project managers can allocate resources more effectively, identify potential risks, and ensure tight control over the project's progress.

Drawing from the context provided about organizational changes and team structures, we can recognize that a well-built WBS also supports team-based environments. It allows various teams to see how their specific tasks and responsibilities connect to the larger project objectives. In a team-based organizational structure, the WBS assists in clarifying roles, improving communication, and enhancing teamwork.