I have already alluded to the fact that the work breakdown structure is the number one most important planning document, but why? Because the WBS is utilized to organize 100 percent of the scope of work represented in the currently approved project scope statement. If the scope statement changes, then the work breakdown structure will be updated. Understanding how they both work together can help you understand why they are the most important scope and planning documents.

Imagine if somebody came to you and said, I want you to set up helpdesks in all 87 of our corporate locations in 15 countries, train everyone, and do it in a timely fashion. That is a massive amount of work! It would be impossible for you to even comprehend that much information, let alone create a schedule and budget to meet the requirements right away.

It is true that...