International Project Management Association (IPMA) Practice Exam

What is the foundation for building a project plan?

1. Schedule

2. Budget

3. Quality level

4. Work breakdown structure

The correct answer is: Work breakdown structure

The work breakdown structure (WBS) serves as the foundation for building a project plan because it breaks down the entire scope of the project into smaller, manageable components. By decomposing the project into specific tasks and deliverables, the WBS provides a clear framework for organizing and categorizing all the work that needs to be done. This clarity is essential for establishing timelines, allocating resources, and identifying dependencies among tasks. Moreover, the WBS facilitates communication among stakeholders by illustrating the full scope of the project and ensuring that everyone has a shared understanding of what is to be accomplished. It also provides the basis for estimating costs and durations, which are integral to the budget and schedule components of the project plan. Thus, the WBS is not only critical for planning but also for effective project execution and monitoring progress throughout the project lifecycle.