Decomposition

Correct Answer: Use rolling wave planning to identify and refine dependencies as details become clear

Rolling wave planning is the most effective method for managing dependencies between work packages in large projects because: - It aligns with progressive elaboration principles, allowing details to emerge as the project develops - It maintains flexibility while ensuring proper dependency management - It acknowledges that not all dependencies can be known at project start - It enables adaptive planning based on evolving project information Why other approaches are less effective: - Applying strict sequential relationships to all work packages is too rigid and can create artificial constraints - Managing dependencies only at the highest level creates risks of missing critical lower-level relationships - Creating detailed dependency networks for all work packages at project start is impractical and often inaccurate due to the complexity and evolving nature of large projects Rolling wave planning provides the right balance between structure and flexibility, allowing project managers to plan in detail for near-term work while maintaining a higher-level view of future work packages until more information becomes available.

Correct Answer: The level where activities can be estimated, scheduled, and managed effectively

The optimal level of activity detail in project decomposition occurs at the point where activities can be estimated, scheduled, and managed effectively. This is the most practical and balanced approach, as it: - Provides sufficient detail for meaningful planning and control - Maintains manageability of the schedule - Allows for accurate resource allocation and tracking - Enables effective cost estimation and monitoring The other options are problematic because: Breaking down activities to the smallest possible components creates unnecessary complexity, increases management overhead, and may lead to micromanagement. Enforcing an 8-hour work package limitation is too rigid and may not suit all project types or activities. Some tasks naturally require more or less time. Standardizing all activities to one week duration is arbitrary and fails to account for the natural variance in task sizes and complexity levels. This approach could force artificial divisions or combinations of work packages.

Correct Answer: It provides detailed descriptions for each work package and maintains consistency in scheduling

The key benefit of using a WBS Dictionary in decomposition is that it provides detailed descriptions for each work package and maintains consistency in scheduling. This is correct because: The WBS Dictionary contains detailed descriptions, including: - Scope statements - Deliverables - Activities - Resources - Cost estimates - Quality requirements - Acceptance criteria This comprehensive information ensures all team members have a clear understanding of each work package. The other answers are incorrect because: - Following standardized templates is not the primary purpose of a WBS Dictionary - it's about providing detailed content, not enforcing formats - Resource allocation and team member assignment happens after the WBS Dictionary is created, during resource planning - While the WBS helps with performance measurement, establishing baselines is a separate process that occurs after the WBS is complete