Work Package
DE: Arbeitspaket
The lowest WBS level where cost and duration can be estimated.
Detailed Explanation
A work package is the work defined at the lowest level of the WBS for which cost and duration can be estimated and managed. It is the smallest unit of work in the WBS and serves as the basis for detailed planning, execution, monitoring, and control.
Work packages are assigned to specific individuals or teams, have defined start and end dates, and include measurable acceptance criteria. They should follow the 8/80 rule — no less than 8 hours and no more than 80 hours of effort.
Work packages are the bridge between the WBS and the project schedule. While the WBS is deliverable-oriented, the schedule breaks work packages into specific activities (tasks) with dependencies, durations, and resource assignments.
Key Points
- Lowest level of the WBS — smallest decomposition unit
- Basis for cost and duration estimation
- Assigned to individuals or teams with clear ownership
- Should follow the 8/80 rule (8-80 hours of effort)
- Bridge between the WBS and the schedule
- Has defined acceptance criteria and measurable outcomes
Practical Example
In a website WBS, 'Checkout Page' is a work package under the Frontend deliverable. It is assigned to Developer A, estimated at 40 hours (5 days), costs EUR 4K in labor, has acceptance criteria (payment processing, order confirmation, error handling), and is decomposed into 6 schedule activities with dependencies.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Size work packages to be estimable and assignable to one team
Each work package should have one clear owner
Define acceptance criteria at the work package level
Use the WBS Dictionary to document work package details
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