A work package contains the work defined at the lowest level of the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for which cost and duration can be estimated and managed. Show
A WBS work package can be further decomposed (broken-down) into an activity list. The project team can produce a tangible outcome or create a deliverable by accomplishing these activities. The main difference between work package and activity is that work package represents a tangible work product whereas a series of activities are required to be done in order to accomplish the result represented by the work package. You might be looking for the difference between Work Package and Activity. It is very difficult to contrast work package vs activity by just looking at their definitions. In this article, you will find definition, meaning, and explanation of work package and activities. You will find how these terms are used in project scope management and schedule management respectively. You will also find a few examples of these terms that will help you in understanding the difference between them. Practically speaking, it doesn’t matter whether you call a work package an activity or vice-versa. At the end of the day, you have to complete your total project scope. The project work will not change because of changes in nomenclature. However, if you are preparing for the PMP Exam then it is important to distinguish between a work package and activity. You can also look at the following video to understand the difference between these project management terms.
PMBOK® Guide You can refer to Max Wideman Glossary to read some other standard definitions. A WBS is a deliverable oriented structure. A deliverable is a tangible outcome that gives satisfaction to one or more project stakeholders. Work packages are smallest deliverable in a project. They reside at the lowest level of a WBS. Activity Definition
PMBOK® Guide You can refer to Max Wideman Glossary to read some other standard definitions. A work package is further decomposed into a sequence of activities. An activity in itself does not produce a deliverable but a sequence of activities culminates into a deliverable. The above definitions are somewhat confusing. Even though the definitions absolutely correct, it is kind of impossible to differentiate between work package and activity just by looking at these definitions. Difference Between Work Package and ActivityIn simple terms we can say that Work Package is a result of an endeavor. We can also say that a series of actions results in (creates) a Work Package. Let us explore thw above statements further. A Work Package
Refer to the previous para. I wrote “a series of actions results in a (creates) a Work Package”. These actions are, in fact, the Activities performed by the project team. In simple terms we can say that series of activities creates a Work Package. An Activity, in itself, may not produce any tangible outcome but a series of Activities would result into a deliverable. The difference between work package vs activity is summarized in the table below.
Examples of WBS Work Package and ActivitiesLet us take a look at two examples to understand the difference further. Software Development ProjectLet us assume that project team has created a WBS with software modules as work packages. Integration of all modules will result in the completion of the software product. One such module could be “Module X”. Module X can be thought of as a work package. Project Team will have to perform series of Activities to create “Module X”. These Activities might include Algorithm Writing, DB Scripting, Coding, Testing, Integration etc. Project Team might have to repeat these activities until delivery ready “Module X” is created. Building Construction ProjectLet us assume that project team has created a WBS with building floors as work packages. Completion of all floors will result in the completion of the Building. One such floor could be “Floor N” Floor N can be thought of as a work package. Project Team will have to perform series of Activities to construct “Floor N”. These Activities might include Floor laying, Wiring, Painting, Inspection etc. Project Team might have to repeat these activities until delivery ready “Floor N” is completed. Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Project team is free to create its own WBS and define Work Packages (lowest level deliverables). Some of these lowest level deliverables may be outsourced to a vendor. The vendor could treat such outsourced deliverables as a complete project. e.g. If “Module X” is outsourced to a Vendor, then the performing organization would treat “Module X” as a Work Package while the Vendor would treat it as an entire Project.
Yes. It depends on the level of Decomposition. Different people tend to think differently. Different project managers may define WBS differently for the same project.
No. it depends upon the organizational guidelines, stakeholder preferences, environment, type of project, project manager’s bias and many other varied factors. A WBS is good, as long as it includes the total scope of work. You can also read 2 ways to create WBS.
You can read my other article that talks about 7 reasons to create WBS. Over To YouHow do you use the terms work package and activity in your organization? Do you use them interchangeably? Do you think it is important to distinguish between these terms. I would love to hear from you. How will you identify the project activities?First, make a list of the project's high-level deliverables. In a WBS, deliverables are named using nouns. In our example, the high-level deliverables are published training guide and launched website. Second, look for lower-level deliverables.
What are 3 common approaches used by a project team to develop a WBS?There are three general approaches to building the WBS:. Noun-Type Approaches. Noun-type approaches define the deliverable of the project work in terms of the components (physical or functional) that make up the deliverable. ... . Verb-Type Approaches. ... . Organizational Approaches.. What should be included in a work package?“A work package is a mini-project, in a way,” says Rod Baxter, Co-Founder of Value Generation Partners, and author of the Project Management for Success Handbook. Just like a project, your work package will include all elements, such as a budget, material(s), human resources, and schedules and milestones.
What are work packages and work activities?The work package is usually the lowest component or level of the deliverable in a given project. It is derived from the complete breakdown of the WBS. On the other hand, the activity is a means to create a deliverable. Several activities give rise to a work package, which is the lowest level of a deliverable.
|