6 1 Define Activities The process of identifying

6. 1 Define Activities • The process of identifying the specific activities to be performed to produce the project deliverables • All activities should relate to a project deliverable • Takes the deliverables and work packages defined in the WBS and decomposes them into activities • Activities provide the basis for estimating, scheduling, executing, and monitoring and controlling the project work • Links back to the Project Objectives • Occurs during Planning Monitor Initiation Planning Execution Close Control Adapted from PMBOK 4 th Edition BSBPMG 503 A Manage Project Time

6. 1 Define Activities • Inputs to Define Activities ü Scope Baseline ü Project Management methodologies and procedures ü Standard project schedules and activities ü Historical data on similar projects • Tools and techniques to Define Activities Decomposition Rolling Wave Planning Expert Judgement Templates Adapted from PMBOK 4 th Edition BSBPMG 503 A Manage Project Time

6. 1 Define Activities • Decomposition – ü Involves sub dividing the project and deliverables into smaller pages of work known as activities or tasks ü Activities should only be undertaken if they contribute to the production of a deliverable within the Work Breakdown Structure • Templates ü Often lists of activities and milestones from previous, similar projects ü Start planning a project by finding a similar project that has been completed previously Monitor Initiation Planning Execution Close Control Adapted from PMBOK 4 th Edition BSBPMG 503 A Manage Project Time

6. 1 Define Activities • Rolling Wave Planning – ü Progressively elaborate on the project plan and schedule ü Plan near term activities in detail and later activities at a high level ü Sometimes used on very long projects where the future activities are unclear Monitor Initiation Planning Execution Close Control Adapted from PMBOK 4 th Edition BSBPMG 503 A Manage Project Time

6. 1 Define Activities • Outputs of this process include – ü Activity List – Includes scope of work description for each activity ü Activity Attributes – Progressively fleshed out during time planning processes ü Milestone List – Highlight significant points in project execution to focus attention on the project schedule – Can be related to contract obligations, external dependencies, completion of major deliverables or phases Monitor – Can be mandatory or for information purposes – Often used for summary level reporting Initiation Planning Execution Close Control Adapted from PMBOK 4 th Edition BSBPMG 503 A Manage Project Time