Based on the bottom paragraphs and table, Would you be comfortable taking on any work package if it were assigned to you, assuming you had appropriate technical expertise? Why or why not? Its fine if youre not, even for the best-prepared WBS. Understanding the reasons why work packages are not clearly defined can help the PM when identifying missing tasks, clarifying the work package, or assigning work.

Is there an approach used by other experts that particularly appeals to you, and why?

I think that the WBS would vary based on the experience level of those completing the work. The WBS might have more smaller steps and details for those who are not as experienced where as an experienced professional might not need as much detail.

I do think that each WBS would establish and track milestones. In my WBS below, the milestones could be considered the tasks in orange, you would be able to track the progress of these tasks by checking off the green boxes as they are completed. It would be easy to see where you are in each task by looking at what remains unchecked. I also do believe that each of these could be managed as a mini project as there may be team members better suited for managing some of these tasks than others. For example, one person may be better at conducting field work and another at database research. I think the WBS could be used to help estimate time/cost as each task is broken down into smaller tasks that might be easier to estimate on a smaller level.

To create my WBS I used Microsoft power point to create a visual representation of a WBS as I find it easier to follow in a flow chart form. The most difficult part of this, I think, was determining what needed to be done to complete each task. So all of the green boxes on my WBS. I think this might have been easier if I had a better understanding of AAI.

I think that in my normal life I kind of subconsciously create a WBS for small tasks. For example, were having a small party on Saturday so I know there are tasks that need to be done to get ready like yard work which would include mowing the grass, weeding the flower gardens, string trimming, etc.