Team Project Part (3), Question (2)

Question: List and discuss at least four uses of a WBS:

The work Breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual representation of the tasks required to complete the project broken down into smaller elements. This organization and attention to detail, for all activities provides greater accountability and opportunity for success.

Kerzner, Project Management, thirteenth edition, page 389, explains the most common six-level indented as follows:

	Level	Description
Managerial	1	Total Program
2	Project
3	Task
Technical	4	Subtask
5	Work Package
6	Level of Effort

There are many ways to present the WBS graphically, yet the purpose should be to get down to the lowers level that would outline a work package and level of effort. The WBS can be used to provide the project management team with a strong foundation for the developing the responsibility matrix, schedule, budget, and risk register.

1. Responsibility Matrix (RACI Matrix)describes the roles in completing the tasks or deliverables in alignment with the WBS. This matrix will outline who is responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed on the project.

1. Scheduling: The WBS should be the first step in developing a project schedule. It more clearly defines the work that must be completed to achieve the deliverables required. By supporting the project team with a visual breakdown of the project, it more clearly outlines the project scope to better allocate resources and determine activity durations.

1. Budgeting:The WBS helps to provide specific line items in the budget that are easier to manage for developing a schedule of values to invoice for the work in progress. It is also a way to evaluate sub-contractors and vendors on an equal basis by breaking down their estimate for proposed costs.

1. Risk Analysis:The WBS activities deliver the scope tasks and work packages that should be delivered in a period of time with a value of cost. If there is any uncertainly that could affect the outcome, then there may be some risk that could impact the project. There are project overall risk and Individual risks - all these risks affect the project as a whole. Some are controllable, some may be uncontrollable, and yet some are unknown. Tasking the breakdown form the WBS, the project team should look at each activities and forecast what events may impact the project success.

TO DO:

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