The 100% Rule is a fundamental principle in project management that asserts that the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) should include all the work defined by the project scope, capturing 100% of the work necessary to complete the project successfully. This rule ensures no omissions in the planned work, promoting a comprehensive approach to project execution. It applies to all levels of the WBS, meaning each level should account for 100% of the work necessary to achieve the outcomes specified by the level above it.
What are the Benefits of Following the 100% Rule?
Comprehensive Planning: By ensuring that the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) includes all tasks necessary to fulfill the project's scope, project managers can develop a more accurate and realistic schedule.
Resource Allocation: With a complete view of all tasks, project managers can allocate resources more effectively. This optimizes resource usage, preventing overallocation or underutilization.
Budget Accuracy: Including 100% of the work in the project scope allows for a more precise budget estimation.
Scope Management: The 100% Rule aids in robust scope management by clearly defining what is included in the project and what is not.
Risk Mitigation: A detailed and complete WBS allows project managers to better identify potential risks associated with each task. This proactive risk assessment allows for the implementation of mitigation strategies in advance.
How Can the Project Team Apply the 100% Rule Despite All the Changes That Might Take Place in The Project?
The 100% Rule in project management needs to be flexible to respond effectively to changes, as project scopes can evolve due to various factors such as stakeholder requests, unforeseen challenges, or changes in project requirements. Here's how it adapts to changes:
Projects should have a formal change management process in place and the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) must be updated to reflect approved changes.
Any changes to the project that affect the work involved—whether adding, removing, or modifying tasks—require the WBS to be revised accordingly.
Changes can introduce new risks or alter existing ones. Part of adapting the 100% Rule to changes involves updating the risk management plan to address how these alterations might impact the project and what mitigation strategies are required.
Project managers must continuously monitor and control the project to ensure adherence to the 100% Rule even as changes occur.
Effective communication with stakeholders is crucial when changes occur. Project managers must ensure stakeholders understand how changes will affect the project's scope, resources, and timeline and how the WBS will be adjusted to maintain compliance with the 100% Rule.
What Are Some of The Implications of Creating an incomplete WBS or Not Having a Robust Change Control System?
Similarly, missing an important component from the WBS will have negative implications for project outcomes. These implications can include but are not limited to scope variations, inaccurate estimates, schedule delays, stakeholder dissatisfaction, increased risk, and quality issues. A typical example is when a project team creates a WBS that doesn’t have space for project management activities such as developing a schedule, monitoring, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and other nontechnical activities. This project will eventually face challenges related to the aspects mentioned above. In essence, the 100% Rule remains a guiding principle through project planning and when facing changes, ensuring that the WBS is always complete and representative of the entire project scope, thus safeguarding the project's integrity and success even in the face of change.
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