Case Assignment
Scope and the Work Breakdown Structure
Projects operate in an environment broader than the project itself. Project managers need to take a systems approach when working on projects. They need to consider projects within the greater organizational concept. Project work is usually defined in a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as an outcome oriented document that defines the total scope of the project. The project begins on a solid foundation with the project scope statement and the Work Breakdown Structure.
The following required reading will provide guidance on how to create a WBS and change it if necessary. Each article may be accessed by the associated links. Read each article from the required reading list prior to beginning your case assignment.
Required Reading
Suchan, J. (2013). How to evaluate project change requests. In Microsoft Office. Retrieved from http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/project-help/how-to-evaluate-project-change-requests-HA010172671.aspx
NetMBA. (2010). Work Breakdown Structure. In NetMBA Business Knowledge Center. Retrieved from http://www.netmba.com/operations/project/wbs/
Norman, M. (2013, April 1). 7 scope questions to ask at project initiation. In The Project Management Hut. Retrieved from http://www.pmhut.com/7-scope-questions-to-ask-at-project-initiation
Clemens, J. (2012, October 11). Work Breakdown Structure.[Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZoHMi-RuUE
Microsoft project plan and corresonding WBS. (2013). In Critical Tools. Retrieved from http://www.criticaltools.com/projwbs.htm
Appendix D--Bicycle Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Example - p. 54. (2013). In Safari Books Online. Retrieved from http://my.safaribooksonline.com/book/software-engineering-and-development/project-management/9781933890135/appendix-d-icycle-work-breakdown-structure-wbs-example/bicycle_work_breakdown#X2ludGVybmFsX0J2ZGVwRmxhc2hSZWFkZXI/eG1saWQ9OTc4MTkzMzg5MDEzNS81MQ==
Work Breakdown Structure. (2013). In Tutorials Point Simple Easy Learning. Retrieved from http://www.tutorialspoint.com/management_concepts/work_breakdown_structure.htm
Wawruck, W. (2006, October 1). Guest articles; Managing project Scope, Part 1: A neglected dimension of effective performance on diverse projects. In Max's Project Management Wisdom. Retrieved from http://www.maxwideman.com/guests/scope/note.htm
Carman, C. (2013, May 8). 4 Steps to Effective Change Control. In Dice.com. Retrieved from http://news.dice.com/2013/05/08/why-change-control-isnt-for-sissies/
Haughey, D. (2011, December 19). Understanding the Project Management Triple Constraint. In Project Smart. Retrieved from http://www.projectsmart.co.uk/understanding-the-project-management-triple-constraint.html
Supplemental Reading
Vargas, R. (2010, June 8). Preparing the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5-vozwc9Z8&list=TLvEzdaFGxtAg
Mulcahy, R (2008, July 13). Work Breakdown Structure. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdlYTwDhqYE&list=TLvEzdaFGxtAg
Visit the Website of the Project Management Institute and consider becoming a student member or pursuing a project management certification.
Project Management Institute. (2013). Membership. In PMI. Retrieved from http://www.pmi.org/Membership.aspx
Assignment Expectations
In Case 1, select one of the following simple projects from your place of work or home.
- Installation of a wireless network
- Operating system upgrades to company computers
- Home remodeling project: kitchen, bathroom, deck, other
- Event planning: vacation or family reunion
Create a scope statement, and a simple Work Breakdown structure for the selected project. Compose a 4- to 6-page paper discussing the following:
a) How you would use the WBS in your selected simple project?
b) What problems or issues you encountered when converting your scope statement to a WBS?
c) The benefits of using a WBS as a foundation for your project.
d) What aspects of your project would be likely to change during your project? and,
e) How you might include changes in your revised WBS.
You will be particularly assessed on:
- Your ability to see what the module is all about and to structure your paper accordingly.
- Your informed commentary and analysis-simply repeating what your sources say does not constitute an adequate paper.
- Your ability to apply the professional language and terminology of Project Management correctly and in context; you are expected to be familiar with this language and use it appropriately.
- Your effective and appropriate use of in-text citations to the assigned readings and other source material to support your arguments. Refer to the TUI Course Guidelines and or the Purdue University APA formatting and style guide for the proper formats.