Video 2 Work Breakdown Structure for ME Works

Summary

In this lesson, Dr. Sarajevikri Muhammad explains the concept of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in project management, focusing on its importance in the construction and engineering services industry. WBS helps break down large and complex tasks into smaller, manageable activities, facilitating project planning, cost management, and execution. The lesson covers the practical application of WBS in landscaping and building services, emphasizing its role in accurate cost estimation through Bills of Quantities (BQ). Dr. Muhammad also highlights how WBS aids in managing engineering services, particularly in intelligent buildings, and how it contributes to final accounts and future cost planning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a crucial tool for project planning and implementation in building projects, particularly for managing engineering services.
• 😀 WBS helps break down large and complex tasks, like construction projects, into smaller, manageable components, making it easier to monitor progress and costs.
• 😀 The WBS is essential for cost management, as it helps itemize tasks and estimate the time and cost associated with each step in a project.
• 😀 WBS is used in both mechanical and electrical engineering services to clearly define the scope of work and track project progress.
• 😀 A typical WBS in building projects includes items like substructure, superstructure, finishes, furniture and fittings, and building services.
• 😀 Building services, which encompass various engineering services, are crucial in modern buildings, especially for smart and intelligent buildings, with up to 43 services identified in recent studies.
• 😀 A Bill of Quantity (BQ) is used to measure and quantify the work involved in a project, and WBS helps create this by defining tasks in terms of time and quantity.
• 😀 Proper measurement and documentation of tasks in the WBS help ensure accurate cost estimates, avoid variations, and assist with project evaluation and final accounts.
• 😀 The current practice in Malaysia for measuring engineering services in buildings includes using a prime cost sum, allowing for profit and attendance, and adjusting for any variations during construction.
• 😀 Contractors and consultants can use WBS to help with the preparation of BQs, even when drawings are incomplete, ensuring all necessary tasks are captured for accurate cost estimation and project management.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) serves as a foundation for project planning, implementation, and execution. It helps break down large, complex tasks into smaller, manageable components, making project management more systematic and efficient. It also plays a key role in cost and time management.

How does WBS contribute to successful project management?

WBS helps in project cost management by itemizing tasks, allowing for better tracking and measurement of project scope. It helps organize tasks, allocate resources, monitor work progress, and manage any changes or variations, contributing to the overall success of a project.

Why is it important to break a project into smaller tasks?

Breaking a project into smaller tasks makes it easier to manage and measure. Large, complex tasks can be overwhelming and hard to track, but when divided into smaller components, the project becomes more manageable, with clear deliverables, deadlines, and cost estimates.

What role does the Bill of Quantity (BQ) play in cost management?

The Bill of Quantity (BQ) plays a crucial role in cost management by itemizing and quantifying the work involved in a project. It helps in determining the scope, preparing accurate cost estimates, tracking expenses, and ensuring that payments to contractors are based on actual work completed.

How does WBS relate to building services in construction projects?

In construction projects, WBS is used to break down the various engineering services involved, especially mechanical and electrical services. These services are typically categorized into detailed items that help in managing the project’s scope and costs, especially for modern 'smart' buildings that may have up to 43 different services.

Can WBS be used to manage costs in 'smart' buildings?

Yes, WBS is particularly useful in managing the costs of 'smart' buildings, which require numerous specialized engineering services. By breaking down the project into detailed tasks, including those for advanced building technologies, WBS ensures that each service is accurately measured and priced, helping with cost tracking and management.

What are some examples of major categories in WBS for building projects?

Major categories in WBS for building projects typically include: Substructure, Superstructure, Finishes, Furniture and Fittings, Building Services, and External Works. These categories help organize the different aspects of construction and ensure that all components are covered in the project planning phase.

What is the significance of re-measuring work on-site during a project?

Re-measuring work on-site is important because actual construction may differ from the initial plans or drawings. Re-measurements help ensure that the project stays within budget, especially when unforeseen issues arise or when incomplete information was available during the planning phase.

How do incomplete drawings impact the use of WBS in construction projects?

Incomplete drawings can pose challenges in accurately defining the scope of work. However, by using WBS and standardized methods like the Bill of Quantities (BQ), it is possible to itemize and measure components even if they are not shown in the drawings, helping to avoid cost overruns or scope creep.

What role does the historical cost database play in future project estimation?

The historical cost database, created from previous projects, helps in establishing cost estimates for future projects. By using the rates and quantities collected in past projects, project managers can develop more accurate budgets and bids for new projects, reducing uncertainties in cost management.