Working break down structure - Essay Example

WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE Department Work breakdown structure (WBS) Level Level 2 Level 3 Provide wooden shed for sailing equipment1.1 Wooden Shed Designed1.1.1 Site preparation  1.1.2 Dimensions determined  1.1.3 Drawings completed 1.2 Materials Obtained1.2.1 Materials Obtained  1.2.2 Materials calculated 1.3 Wooden Shed Constructed1.3.1 Parts are prepared  1.3.2 Wood is cut to size  1.3.3 Fitting the walls  1.3.4 Inserting roof frame 1.4 Erect the wooden shed1.4.1 Cutting opening for the door  1.4.2 Fixing the door and the lock  1.4.3 Cutting opening for porthole  1.4.4 Inserting roof insulation  1.4.4 Fixing porthole 1.

5 Storage1.5.1 Sail equipment is storedb. Choose two elements from the WBS prepared in part (a) and describe how estimates of cost and time could be developed.The schedule obtained from the WBS ensures that the project goal is achieved in time. There are two main approaches of estimating cost and time in a project namely top-down and bottom-up approach. Top down are derived by experts to determine cost and duration. For instance, approximation method can be used where each element is allocated cost and duration.

If element 1.2.2 parts prepared may be allocated more cost and time since it requires more labor and resources. Bottom-up checks WBS elements costs by rolling up the work packages and associated cost accounts to major deliverables. (Brotherton, F &N, 2008). For instance range estimates from WBS package method may be used for element 1.2.2, where time estimate are located. In case this element begins on a holiday or weekend when suppliers have closed, the idle period may be inserted in the critical path. c. Explain, using examples from the WBS prepared in part (a), how the work breakdown structure for a project, or part of a project, relates to i.

The cost controlThe elements of WBS helps in identifying resources needed for each element. In this case, the resources required are human resources, equipment resources, materials, and space. A WBS helps to allocate cost to specific work package, for example, labor, materials, equipment, and so on. In this case, 1.3.1 parts prepared will be allocated more costs estimates.ii. The activities or tasks that an individual team member, or a small team, might be asked to completeWBS helps in identifying projects activities and sub-activities, and the tasks and subtasks.

Each activity or task must be equal to the sum of its sub-elements. A WBS helps allocate time for a specific activity, for instance, incase, 1.2.1 begins on a weekend the individual who was supposed to perform the task may be assigned another activity.Reference ListBrotherton, S., F, R and N, E. (2008). Applying the Work Breakdown Structure to the Project Management Lifecycle. PMI Global Congress Proceedings. Denver, Colorado.