Answer

Work Breakdown Structure and Schedule Development

Section 2.1

• Definition of WBS

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) can be defined as the representation of activities in a construction project in a hierarchal manner. The lower the hierarchy in the WBS activity is the finer its details.

• Approaches to Schedule Development

The top-down approach and the bottom-up approaches are the major schedule development techniques used in developing WBS plans. The top-down approach, as its name suggests starts with determining the largest project activities and breaking them down until the smaller and detailed tasks are determined.

The bottom-up approach, on the other hand, entails determining the specific tasks that need to be carried out for the project scope to be covered from the lowest level moving up. This model is used where the project manager understands the project well and has a mental understanding of the tasks involved. 

• Best Approach for Large, Complex Projects

The most appropriate approach for handling large and complex projects is the top-down model. This technique facilitates the breaking down of the project and is open to specialist consultation hence informed decisions can be made. It also enables the project manager to ensure all aspects of the project are covered including its critical path.

Section 2.2

• What question for WBS and schedule development is the most important and why?

The most important question for WBS and schedule development is “are there any special requirements listed in the contract?”. This question is critical because it helps in determining the exact scope of the project by ensuring all requirements are met. The special clauses represent sensitive project specifications that must be fulfilled to term its implementation a success and hence should be well catered for in the WBS.

Section 2.3

• List some elements that are not included in a WBS that must be determined to develop a project schedule

The elements not included in a WBS but must be established to develop a project schedule include the allocated resources, durations, dates, and linkages/assigned dependencies.

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