Scope Definition Using Work Breakdown Structures

Projects often get into trouble when there is a lack of clarity on what work needs to be done — is X included in the project or should it be Y or none of them at all? Lack of clarity in project scope (sometimes referred to as “fuzzy requirements”) is one of the major causes of project failure yet requirements ambiguity and change are a reality in today’s fast-paced world. How does one deal with this?

In this half-day interactive workshop, learn how to use the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) technique to define a project’s scope and use the WBS as a basis for creating a project’s schedule and budget. Lastly, learn how the WBS can form the basis for controlling scope change, regardless of whether one is using waterfall or agile project delivery methods.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will gain practical skills to:

• Understand how scope is expressed through a Work Breakdown Structure
• Build an effective WBS following best practices
• Use the WBS as a basis for project schedule development
• Use the WBS as a basis for project budget development
• Use the WBS as a basis for controlling scope change

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This course is designed for project managers who would like to improve their ability to define and articulate project scope effectively, so additional planning activities can be put together for a realistic project plan. The concepts covered in this course are beneficial also for business analysts, project sponsors, project coordinators and those who embark on a project management career.

PREREQUISITE

There is no prerequisite for this course

MATERIALS

Participants will receive a course binder with copies of presentation materials, case study examples, and more.