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Numbering the work breakdown structure.
This table illustrates a simple work breakdown structure and its associated
numbering system. The first number represents the total project, the second
represents the first sub-project, the third identifies a task within it, and so
on. From this table it is easy to see that the component numbered 01-03-03
represents task 3 of sub-project 3. Because so many other aspects of the project
depend on the work breakdown structure care should be taken to create an
accurate and workable diagram. One of the most important tasks is to ensure that
it contains the right number of levels - the consequences of having too many or
too few should be apparent. A useful tip when generating a work breakdown
structure is to consider each major work element in its own right. From a cost
control perspective, cost analysis down to the fifth level of the work breakdown
structure is often beneficial. However, the effort required to prepare cost
analysis data to each lower level may increase exponentially and this monitoring
resource should itself be identified and quantified.
work breakdown structure Guidelines.
The following guidelines should prove useful when developing the work breakdown
structure for a project. Firstly, the work breakdown structure and any support
documentation should be easy to understand. Secondly, work should not be
subdivided arbitrarily to the lowest possible level. Work breakdown structure
elements at the lowest control level should typically range from 0.5% to 2.5% of
total project budget. Furthermore, you should be aware that the work breakdown
structure can be developed to reflect the trust that you have in specific line
groups, by leaving them the autonomy over specific areas of work. Finally,
always remember that projects are dynamic working environments - so try to
maintain flexibility in the work breakdown structure.
Product Descriptions.
Product descriptions contain detailed design, content and quality information
relating to a specific product or group of products. The product description
form describes the purpose, form and components of a product. They should be
created as part of the planning process, to shadow the identification of
products. They should also list, or refer to, the quality criteria applicable to
that product. Each product description may either apply to a specific item, or
to all of the products of a given group, or type. The components of a complex
product may be described in separate descriptions, giving rise to a hierarchy of
product descriptions. This hierarchy will reflect that represented in the work
breakdown structure. At any time the ongoing analysis of products may lead to
changes being made to the diagrams or documentation that was produced earlier
on. The precise content that is required in a product description will vary from
site to site. However, as a general guide they should include the sort of
information shown on this sample form.
Product Descriptions Illustrated.
The clear identification of each component product should facilitate an accurate
estimate of the work, and other resources, required in its production. The
identification of products was illustrated earlier in this course, in the
context of producing a new model of camera. The products required for the
promotional brochure are shown on the previous page. In this example we will
isolate one of the minor product groups - the Photographs and illustrate the
creation of product descriptions in this area. The product description form
shown on the previous page relates to a single product - the photograph of the
camera on the car dashboard. Here is an illustration of the information that it
should contain:
1. The title should contain the formal product name.
2. The product number should be unique and consistent.
3. The version number is used to reflect the current configuration item
generation number.
4. The purpose should contain a short descriptive text.
5. The composition should list the content, or the structure and format of the
product. A complex product may be described in full, or in terms of its
component
sub-products.
6. The derivation should indicate any products, or other required input, to the
production of the current product.
7. The form holds information relating to the production media or method of the
product.
8. Quality criteria should detail the subjective criteria against which the
product can be checked to confirm that it meets with the requirements.
9. The quality method should describe the method, for example, formal/informal
review, physical measurement etc., by which the quality conformance will be
assessed.
10. Staff responsible should list those people, or skills, required for
producing, reviewing and approving the product. This is particularly important
where an external
quality review is planned.
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