WBS- A Mandatory Management Tool

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Characteristics of a High-Quality WBS >>

Software Project Management (CS615)

LECTURE # 33

7. Work Breakdown Structure

7.3

WBS- A Mandatory Management Tool

The WBS as a project management tool

g) Mapping WBS for Cost Management

In a product-oriented WBS, functional categories of work may form "cost

accounts" within a WBS element. Cost account managers are responsible for a

functional area's contribution to a WBS element. Cost accounts from several

departments or functions may combine into one WBS element.

Internal department planning for a cost account will be made up of individual

work packages. A work package will typically have its own budget and schedule.

Work packages should be small enough to be executed by individuals or small

groups in a single department, and they should be of relatively short schedule

duration. A small project might define a maximum work package size as two

weeks of effort. Larger projects will assemble larger work packages that can be

appropriately managed and controlled.

The project manager will have to decide to what degree employment of various

details of WBS implementation will benefit the efficient management of the

project. On a very small project, a formal WBS may serve no useful purpose, but

it can become valuable if project size or complexity start to increase.

As an organization's project management environment matures, or as larger size

and complexity are encountered, application of the WBS concept can evolve from

an ad hoc list of tasks, to time-phased activity lists, task lists clustered by project

deliverables and services, or an end-product focused WBS fed by cost accounts

and work packages.

If you are using MS-Project or a similar project management software application,

you may encounter the WBS as a vertical list with indents to show structure. This

will be compatible with the Gantt View data entry screens. While some software

packages provide a separate WBS view, you could prepare your WBS in the

vertical format using a word processor, and then cut and paste your WBS into

your project management software package.

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Software Project Management (CS615)

WBS Elements

Hardware

Software

Systems

Training

Engr.

Functional Areas

Info. Systems

Cost Account

Purchasing

Cost Account

Testing

Cost Account

Tech. Editors

Work

Packag

WORD OF CAUTION

The WBS is a useful tool provided it is constantly updated.

It should be updated periodically together with the project development plan and

the project schedule.

It is reasonable to expect the WBS list to have tasks added, modified or even

removed as project development progresses.

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