Elements of Time Management

On John's move project, these top-level activities are numbered 1, 2, 3, and so on. For example, a plan for the move is the major deliverable from 1 Plan Move, as shown below.

1. Plan Move
2. Prepacking
3. Packing
4. Moving
5. Unpacking
6. Project Closeout

The work breakdown structure is then decomposed – broken down into smaller units. The 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 numbers are the first subdivision of the work. For example, one of John's Summary Level Activities is Packing (3.0). Although some minor packing (delicate items: 2.4) are packed under another summary activity, 3.3 is the major packing and includes the coordination and support of labor (friends Dion and Carlita). The activity is then decomposed - separated into basic elements - to the next level by listing the individual rooms that need packed, as shown below.

The WBS could be decomposed further to a greater level of detail by listing the tasks needed for each activity. For example activity 3.3.3, Pack Bedroom, can be decomposed into additional tasks, such as 3.3.3.1 Pack Closet, 3.3.3.2 Pack Drawers, and 3.3.3.3 Pack Blankets. This type of numbering of the activities is called intelligent numbering. In intelligent numbering, the numbering system has meaning so that a member of the project team knows something about the activity by the number of the activity. For example, any activity associated with packing begins with a 3; even picking up donuts can be an activity that supports packing. The donuts are a form of payment for the labor of Dion and Carlita.