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CAPM Practice: Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

Question 30 of 85 in Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule

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Which of the following BEST describes the relationship between the WBS and the project schedule?

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Correct answer: The WBS defines WHAT work will be done; the schedule defines WHEN it will be done

Explanation

The WBS (scope tool) decomposes project work into deliverables and work packages — it defines WHAT will be produced. The project schedule (time tool) sequences activities, assigns resources, and specifies WHEN work will be performed. The WBS provides the scope foundation from which activities are identified for scheduling.

**Why not A:** The WBS is not updated daily; it is established during planning and only changed through formal change control. The schedule is also not fixed at project start — it can be updated through change control as needed. Both assertions in this answer are incorrect.

**Why not C:** The schedule is not created before the WBS. The WBS must be created first because it defines the scope of work that will be scheduled. Activities are identified from WBS work packages, and then those activities are sequenced and scheduled. The WBS is a prerequisite for the schedule.

**Why not D:** The WBS and schedule are distinctly different documents serving different purposes. The WBS is a scope decomposition tool (WHAT), and the schedule is a time-based plan (WHEN). They are related and integrated but are not the same document in different presentations.

Key Concept

This question covers Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule under Demonstrate an understanding of a project management plan schedule (Predictive, Plan-Based Methodologies).

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