Quiz: WBS & Activity Listing
This quiz covers Steps 1–4 of Module 1: defining scope, Work Breakdown Structures, activity coding and listing, and activity sequencing.
✓ Multiple Choice — Questions 1 to 5
Select the best answer for each question, then check your responses against the answers in the Course Workbook.
1. The primary purpose of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is to:
- Assign individual resources to each project task.
- Break the project scope into manageable, deliverable-focused components that can be scheduled and tracked.
- Define the logical sequence of activities on the critical path.
- Document the project's communication and reporting requirements.
2. The WBS should be aligned with the Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS) because:
- The CBS is always developed before the WBS and must be followed.
- It ensures scope, cost, and schedule can be tracked consistently at the same hierarchical level.
- It reduces the total number of activities required in the schedule.
- Alignment eliminates the need for a Basis of Schedule document.
3. Which of the following best describes good practice when defining activity names in a schedule?
- Keep names as brief as possible — one or two words — to save space in the schedule.
- Use the same generic name for similar activities across different areas to save time.
- Activity names should clearly describe the work being done and follow consistent naming conventions across the schedule.
- Names should reference the responsible resource rather than the work content.
4. Activity coding in a schedule is primarily used to:
- Automatically calculate float values for each activity.
- Reduce the number of logic relationships needed between activities.
- Allow activities to be filtered, sorted, and grouped for reporting by project area, discipline, phase, or responsibility.
- Lock activity durations and prevent unauthorised changes to the schedule.
5. When grouping and sequencing activities, which principle best supports a manageable and defensible schedule?
- Group activities alphabetically for ease of reference during schedule reviews.
- Activities should be grouped logically by phase, area, or system — and sequenced to maximise the use of Physical Logic over Sequence Logic where possible.
- All activities should be placed under a single WBS level to simplify the schedule structure.
- Sequence activities by resource availability rather than by delivery logic.
Discussion Questions — Questions 6 to 8
These questions are for self-reflection or group discussion. There are no single correct answers — consider the principles covered in Steps 1–4 when forming your response.
6. You are the Lead Planner on a large tunnel project. The project involves design, procurement, civil construction, mechanical and electrical (M&E) fit-out, and commissioning phases. Multiple subcontractors will be engaged across different construction zones.
- How would you structure the WBS for this project? Describe the hierarchy you would use.
- What activity coding structure would you recommend, and what reporting purposes would each code serve?
- How would you ensure the WBS aligns with the project's Cost Breakdown Structure?
7. A schedule review has identified that many activities have missing or inconsistent activity codes. The project requires monthly reports filtered by discipline, construction zone, and subcontractor responsibility.
- What are the risks of proceeding with the schedule in its current state?
- How would you approach correcting the coding structure, and how would you prevent the issue recurring?
8. Explain the difference between Physical Logic and Sequence Logic (Resource Logic) in activity sequencing. Provide a construction example of each type.
- Why is a higher proportion of Physical Logic generally preferred in a schedule?
- Under what circumstances would Sequence Logic be appropriate to use?
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Answers in the Course Workbook
Multiple choice answers for Q1–5 are provided in your workbook. Use Q6–8 for group discussion or self-reflection.
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