Final answer:
Activity definition according to PMBOK is a process of breaking down project work into smaller, more manageable tasks that contribute to the project's deliverables.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to PMBOK, which stands for Project Management Body of Knowledge, activity definition is a process. This process involves identifying the specific actions that need to be performed to produce the project deliverables. It's a step in the planning phase where the project's work is broken down into smaller, more manageable pieces, which helps in organizing and defining the total scope of the project. In other words, when a complex design problem is encountered, it can be beneficial to decompose this problem into various subproblems, each of which must be solved to address the overall challenge effectively. For instance, during commute design challenge exercises, students might develop a problem statement to describe the issues associated with commuting. Subsequently, they might use a concept combination table to break down these issues further into subproblems. By solving each subproblem using innovative designs, a comprehensive solution can emerge, as reflected in sketches and design concepts generated from the concept combination table. The activity definition is essential for understanding the scope of a design project and the resources available to solve the design problem. This understanding is typically encapsulated in a problem statement and is expressed through various criteria and constraints that guide the design process.