Project Milestone: Work Breakdown Structure

A project scope statement is a document that specifies the requirements for your project. It defines the features and functions that are to be implemented in the project. It also describes any specific processes that must be used in the project. A project scope statement includes detailed characteristics, deliverables, and success criteria.

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) or Process Breakdown Structure (PBS), as noted in your text, helps assure project managers that all products and work elements are identified, to integrate the project with the current organization, and to establish a basis for control. The WBS is a hierarchical structure that facilitates evaluation of cost, time, and technical performance at all levels in the organization over the life of the project.

Your text includes examples of Work Breakdown Structures in Chapter 4. There is also a WBS template loaded for you.

Download the Work Breakdown Structure template [DOCX file size 12.6 Kb] to learn more.

First, create a scope statement for your proposed project. Be sure the statement adequately covers the high-level items you plan to complete. Please refer to Figure 4-6 in the textbok for specific information that needs to be provided in a scope statement.

Next, create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for your project. You may create the WBS using Microsoft Project, Microsoft Visio, or Microsoft Word (using the shapes available in the program). The product you use to create the WBS is not as important as your understanding of your proposed project and how to break it down to the elements recorded in a WBS.

The length of this assignment will vary based on your project. The WBS should be contained in one or two pages and the scope statement can be on a separate page if you are using different software packages to complete this assignment. This assignment deviates from traditional Excelsior assignments in that you do not need references or APA format. You do, however, need to ensure the WBS is readable and properly labeled, and proper grammar and spelling are used. Please refer to Chapter 4 in the text for examples. A WBS template is loaded to this course for you.

Reference:

• Schwalbe, K. (2015). An Introduction to Project Management (5th ed.). Minneapolis, MN: Schwalbe Publishing.
  • Chapter 4: Planning Projects, Part 1 (Project Integration and Scope)
  • Chapter 5: Planning Projects, Part 2 (Project Time and Cost Management)