Module 5: Work Breakdown Structure

In this module you will do a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). The WBS is the document that lists all of work that that must be done to complete the project in the form of activities and tasks. You will use this list on future documents. There are a number of ways you can create this list, the most accurate way of doing this is using a previous list or enlisting your team members to help.

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. Define terms related to scheduling.
  2. Be able to calculate parametric estimates.
  3. Understand how cost and time are summarized in a WBS.
  4. Understand the process of decomposition is used to create a WBS.
  5. Understand the difference between a deliverable and work package.
  6. Understand the WBS numbering system.
  7. Understand top-down estimation methods.
  8. Understand bottom-up estimation methods.
  9. Be able to calculate learning curves and apply them.
  10. Discuss issues related to moving from the planning phase of a project to the scheduling phase.
  11. Explain concepts related to the critical path method including schedule compression.

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Project Management Basics Copyright © by Sharon Blanchard is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.