How do you align work packages with project scope and objectives?

1 Define the project scope and objectives

Before you create work packages, you need to have a clear and detailed definition of the project scope and objectives. The project scope describes what the project will deliver, what the boundaries and assumptions are, and what the acceptance criteria are. The project objectives are the specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) goals that the project aims to achieve. The project scope and objectives should be aligned with the business needs and expectations of the stakeholders.

2 Create a work breakdown structure

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into smaller and manageable components. Each component represents a deliverable or an outcome that contributes to the project objectives. A WBS helps you organize and define the work packages, as well as the relationships and dependencies among them. A WBS also helps you assign resources, responsibilities, and costs to each work package.

3 Define the work packages

A work package is the lowest level of the WBS that can be assigned to a team or a person, and that can be tracked and measured for progress and performance. A work package should have a clear scope, duration, budget, quality standards, and deliverables. A work package should also have a unique identifier, a name, and a description that reflect its content and purpose. To define the work packages, you need to break down the WBS components into smaller and more specific tasks that can be completed within a defined time frame and with a defined level of effort.

4 Align the work packages with the project objectives

To align the work packages with the project objectives, you need to ensure that each work package contributes to one or more of the project objectives, and that each project objective is supported by one or more work packages. You can use a matrix or a table to map the work packages to the project objectives, and to identify any gaps or overlaps. You can also use a traceability matrix to link the work packages to the project requirements, scope, and deliverables.

5 Estimate the work package parameters

To perform EVM, you need to estimate the parameters of each work package, such as the planned value (PV), the earned value (EV), and the actual cost (AC). The PV is the budgeted cost of the work package at a given point in time. The EV is the value of the work package completed at a given point in time. The AC is the actual cost incurred for the work package at a given point in time. These parameters help you calculate the variances and indices that indicate the project performance and status.

6 Monitor and control the work packages

To monitor and control the work packages, you need to collect and analyze the data on the work package parameters, and compare them to the baseline values. You can use EVM formulas and tools to calculate the cost variance (CV), the schedule variance (SV), the cost performance index (CPI), and the schedule performance index (SPI) for each work package. These metrics help you identify any deviations or issues that may affect the project scope, schedule, or budget, and take corrective actions if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?