Module 19 Terms

Question 1

Purpose of WBS

Answer 1

The WBS is a methodical deconstruction of deliverables into activities and then tasks to be performed. It begins to bring clarity to the team and organization for completing the planning phase and preparing for execution. It is a picture of the agreed upon deliverables and what activities and tasks need to be completed to insure delivery happens, milestones are met, and that you complete the project to expectations.

Question 2

Deliverable

Answer 2

The deliverables are concrete things you need to give to your customer in order for the project to be complete.

Question 3

Activity

Answer 3

Under each deliverable is a list of activities. In the case of the deliverable for project management, you have activities for:

Budget for creating and monitoring the project’s budget
Status reports for the team and management of the project including all stakeholders
Status meetings for reporting, gathering information, and resolving issues
Personnel management tasks such as hiring, supervision and coaching, payroll, and releasing people

Question 4

Task

Answer 4

In your WBS, you will have a further breakdown from activities into tasks.

Question 5

8/80 rule

Answer 5

An excellent rule to follow in breaking down tasks is the 8/80 rule. You do not assign anything that takes less than eight hours, so you allow resources sufficient work to occupy them and you do not micromanage. This is essentially one business day. You do not want to assign a task that takes more than 80 hours or two work weeks to complete. This way you keep your communications strategy at its best and make certain you are controlling an optimum amount of work at a given time.