Abstract:
A work breakdown structure is a family tree that identifies the project deliverables and subdivides the project into manageable segments to facilitate the planning and monitoring of resources. This study was conducted to propose a work breakdown structure to be standardized by assessing the current work breakdown structure development practice and identifying the challenges in the current work breakdown structure design approach in Design Bid Build Federal Road Projects.
To achieve these research goals, a literature review is done to get insight into the method and types of work breakdown structure development; to understand the significance of standardizing work breakdown structure, and to formulate an online questionnaire. Moreover, a desk study is done on approved work programs to understand the current practice of work breakdown structure development. This was followed by a key informant interview.
The research uses a qualitative method with a quantitative analysis method to analyze the responses that are gathered from online questionnaires and to relate and study the relationships between facts and how such facts and relationships accord with theories, and the findings obtained from literatures in the area. Moreover, this method is also used to gain insights and understand people’s perceptions of work breakdown structure development. In this research, the quota sampling technique was used, this sampling technique is one of non-probability sampling, which aims to produce a sample that reflects a population in terms of relative proportions.
Currently, most companies similarly define their work breakdown structure in that the bill of quantity is formulated. However, few use deliverable-oriented, schedule-oriented, and location- based WBS development techniques while defining their project scope. In the current practice, the major challenge is the unavailability of resources on how to develop WBS. This research used a combination of project life cycle structure, deliverable-oriented, schedule-oriented, and location- based work breakdown structure development techniques to propose WBS that can be used as a standard on federal road projects.
