📘 Section 42: Create Work Breakdown Structure

In the context of Project Management Professional (PMP), the creation of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) occurs as part of the Create WBS process within the Scope Management Knowledge Area. Below are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of the Create WBS process as defined in the PMBOK® Guide:

Inputs for Create WBS

1. Project Management Plan

   • Scope Management Plan: Defines how the WBS will be created, structured, and managed.

2. Project Documents

   • Project Scope Statement: Provides a detailed description of the project scope.
   • Requirements Documentation: Lists all requirements, including functional and non-functional requirements, to be included in the WBS.

3. Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs)

   • Organizational culture, industry standards, and regulations that may influence the WBS structure.

4. Organizational Process Assets (OPAs)

   • Templates, policies, historical information, and lessons learned from previous projects.

Tools and Techniques for Create WBS

1. Decomposition

   • Breaking down the scope into smaller, more manageable components, until work packages are identified.

2. Expert Judgment

   • Leveraging the expertise of team members, stakeholders, or subject matter experts to structure the WBS.

3. Meetings

   • Collaborative discussions with stakeholders to gather input and finalize the WBS structure.

Outputs of Create WBS

1. Scope Baseline

   • Project Scope Statement: Updated and finalized after creating the WBS.
   • WBS: A hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into deliverables and work packages.
   • WBS Dictionary: Detailed descriptions of each WBS component, including acceptance criteria, responsibilities, and dependencies.

2. Project Documents Updates

   • Assumptions Log: Updates to assumptions based on WBS creation.
   • Requirements Documentation: Adjustments based on decomposed deliverables.

Key Notes

• The WBS is critical for project planning as it serves as the foundation for estimating cost, time, and resources.
• The 100% Rule applies, ensuring the WBS accounts for 100% of the work defined in the scope and excludes non-scope work.
• WBS Dictionary provides additional clarity by defining each WBS element in detail.

Questions

1. What is the primary purpose of the WBS in a project?

A. To define the project’s cost baseline
B. To create a schedule for project activities
C. To define the total scope of the project
D. To assign resources to project tasks

Answer: C. To define the total scope of the project
Explanation: The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work, ensuring all deliverables are accounted for.

2. Which of the following best describes the “100% Rule” in WBS creation?

A. The project must be completed within the budget.
B. Each WBS element should account for 100% of the work required for the parent element.
C. Each task must take no longer than 100% of the estimated time.
D. Each deliverable must be assigned to 100% of the project team.

Answer: B. Each WBS element should account for 100% of the work required for the parent element.
Explanation: The 100% Rule ensures the WBS captures all project deliverables and scope.

3. What is the lowest level in the WBS hierarchy called?

A. Deliverable
B. Activity
C. Work Package
D. Milestone

Answer: C. Work Package
Explanation: A work package is the smallest unit of work in the WBS, which can be estimated, assigned, and managed.

4. What is the key difference between a WBS and an activity list?

A. The WBS focuses on the “what,” while the activity list focuses on the “how.”
B. The WBS includes cost information, while the activity list does not.
C. The WBS is created during execution, while the activity list is created during initiation.
D. The WBS focuses on time estimation, while the activity list focuses on scope.

Answer: A. The WBS focuses on the “what,” while the activity list focuses on the “how.”
Explanation: The WBS defines what deliverables need to be produced, while the activity list identifies how to achieve them.

5. What is the primary output of the Create WBS process?

A. Project Charter
B. Requirements Documentation
C. Scope Baseline
D. Schedule Baseline

Answer: C. Scope Baseline
Explanation: The scope baseline includes the WBS, WBS dictionary, and project scope statement.

6. What is typically included in the WBS dictionary?

A. Resource assignments
B. Budget estimates
C. Detailed descriptions of each WBS element
D. Project milestones

Answer: C. Detailed descriptions of each WBS element
Explanation: The WBS dictionary provides additional details about each WBS element, such as scope, deliverables, and acceptance criteria.

7. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of using a WBS?

A. Better communication of project scope
B. Enhanced team collaboration
C. Improved time management
D. Simplified cost tracking

Answer: C. Improved time management
Explanation: While a WBS indirectly aids in time management, its primary purpose is to define and manage project scope.

8. A project team is struggling with frequent scope changes. Which of the following could be a root cause?

A. Lack of a detailed activity list
B. Incomplete WBS
C. Poor stakeholder communication
D. Unclear quality requirements

Answer: B. Incomplete WBS
Explanation: An incomplete WBS can lead to scope gaps, resulting in frequent scope changes as issues are discovered later.

9. In which process group is the WBS created?

A. Initiating
B. Planning
C. Executing
D. Monitoring and Controlling

Answer: B. Planning
Explanation: The WBS is created during the Planning Process Group as part of the Scope Management processes.

10. What does a well-defined WBS ensure?

A. All project risks are identified
B. The project scope is decomposed into manageable parts
C. Resources are assigned to all deliverables
D. The project schedule is accurately estimated

Answer: B. The project scope is decomposed into manageable parts
Explanation: A well-defined WBS ensures the project scope is organized and manageable.

Would you like more scenario-based WBS questions or explanations? 😊