PMP talk--work breakdown structure, work package, WBS dictionary, control account

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is the process of progressively dividing project deliverables and project work into smaller, more manageable project units that organize and define the entire project scope. The lowest level elements of a WBS are those that can be evaluated, scheduled, and tracked. It is the main basis of organizational management work.

There are two main types of work breakdown structures:
⊙ tree structure diagram: ( Advantages: Clear level, intuitive, strong structure.) Disadvantages: Not easy to modify the scope of application: small and medium projects)

⊙ List Form (can reflect all the working elements, suitable for large projects; disadvantage: poor intuition) Overview of the project scope specification: Before scoping, be sure to have a scope specification, as the scope specification explains why the project is to be carried out, the objectives of the project and the main deliverables are clarified. Is the basis for the agreement between the project team and the task principal, the basis for future project implementation, and the verification of project supervision, and as the project progresses, the scope specification needs to be modified and refined to reflect changes in the project itself and the external environment. In the actual project implementation, whether for the project or the sub-project, the project management personnel will have to write their respective project scope statement.

Work Package: The work unit at the bottom of the WBS is called a work package, which is the basis for defining the scope of work, defining the project organization, setting the quality and specification of the project product, estimating and controlling costs, estimating the time period, and scheduling progress.

WBS Dictionary: is compiled in the process of creating work breakdown structure, is the supporting file of work breakdown structure, it is used to explain the control account and work package in the work breakdown structure in detail. The level of detail of the interpretation can be based on specific needs.

Control Account : is the element in the work breakdown structure, is the project manager to the project management control point, namely to control the account element to carry on the examination and the appraisal to the project's execution condition. You can use a work package as a control account, or you can use a higher-level element as a control account.

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PMP talk--work breakdown structure, work package, WBS dictionary, control account