Detailed Scope Work Plan Development

Question 1

Why can’t contractor selection be based on price alone if construction starts before design completion?

Answer 1

Because the design documents are incomplete and scope is not fully defined.

Question 2

What is the definition of project planning?

Answer 2

The process of identifying all activities necessary to successfully complete the established project scope.

Question 3

Who typically makes up the project team?

Answer 3

Functional departments, project controls, and the owner’s representative.

Question 4

List five characteristics of a work package.

Answer 4

Independent, manageable, measurable, time- and cost-assignable, tied to a deliverable.

Question 5

What categories make up a work package?

Answer 5

Scope, budget, and schedule.

Question 6

What does the Project Execution Plan (PEP) identify?

Answer 6

All work, who does it, when it’s done, and costs.

Question 7

What are the three main purposes of a project kick-off meeting?

Answer 7

Orient team members, distribute PM’s plan, assign responsibility for work packages.

Question 8

What critical part of the PEP deals with uncertainty?

Answer 8

Risk assessment and risk management planning.

Question 9

What must the project manager ensure about WBS, OBS, CBS, and CPM?

Answer 9

They are effectively linked to define what, who, how much, and when.

Question 10

What structure links the company organization to the WBS?

Answer 10

The Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS).

Question 11

What document combines the overall plan and work plan for a project?

Answer 11

The Project Execution Plan (PEP).

Question 12

What tool identifies and quantifies all work to be done by the project?

Answer 12

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

Question 13

What is the definition of project scheduling?

Answer 13

The process of determining the timing of when the planned activities should be done.

Question 14

If priorities are not set, what must the PM optimize?

Answer 14

Time and cost.

Question 15

How can WBS be formatted?

Answer 15

As a graphical chart or outline; or split into engineering, procurement, and construction.

Question 16

What is the smallest unit of a WBS?

Answer 16

A work package.

Question 17

What is the first duty of a project manager when assigned to a project?

Answer 17

To gather all background material prepared by the sponsoring organization.

Question 18

What three categories should be used to organize a project manager’s review?

Answer 18

Scope, budget, and schedule.

Question 19

What is the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS)?

Answer 19

A breakdown of costs for all components in the WBS.

Question 20

Why should the project manager assess the owner’s experience?

Answer 20

To understand the owner’s familiarity with the type of project being proposed.

Question 21

What are the roles of WBS, OBS, CBS, and CPM?

Answer 21

WBS = What; OBS = Who; CBS = Cost; CPM = When.

Question 22

Why can’t the project team be formed until the work is known?

Answer 22

Because the team must be based on the required scope of work.

Question 23

What is the purpose of interviewing design firms?

Answer 23

To assess their qualifications and ability to complete the work.

Question 24

What is a Value Improving Practice (VIP)?

Answer 24

A practice that measurably improves project outcomes (e.g., constructability).

Question 25

What is the purpose of a team planning session when developing a WBS?

Answer 25

To improve team understanding of scope, dependencies, and contributions.