Guide: Understanding and Creating a WBS Dictionary

Why it is important: The WBS dictionary is highly essential for effective project management because it provides detailed information about each component of the work breakdown structure (WBS). It creates clarity, avoids confusion and misinterpretation, and ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of the work to be done.

What it is: The WBS dictionary is a document that provides detailed information for each WBS component, such as codes of accounts identifier, descriptions, assumptions, constraints, responsible organization, schedule milestones, associated schedule activities, resources required, cost estimates, quality requirements, and technical references, to support the WBS.

How it works: The WBS dictionary accompanies the WBS, providing necessary explanations. When a WBS is created for a project, a corresponding WBS dictionary is developed. The dictionary has detailed entries for each WBS component, providing the additional information required.

Answering Questions regarding Create WBS Dictionary in an exam: Understand that the WBS dictionary is more than just a glossary; read each question carefully and look for clues that indicate the need for detail, which the WBS dictionary provides. Knowing the components and the use of a WBS dictionary will help you choose the correct answers.

Exam Tips: Be clear about the distinction between the WBS and the WBS dictionary. Remember that the WBS dictionary provides detailed descriptions for each component in the WBS, such as the work to be done, the resources needed, the duration, and the deliverable's quality metrics. Familiarize yourself with the different types of information provided in a WBS dictionary, so you can quickly recognize correct and incorrect answers.