A project work package is the smallest unit of work in a work breakdown structure (WBS).
The output of the scope definition process is the WBS and it provides the basis for scheduling, resource allocation, costs, and acceptance. The WBS should consist of the entire project scope, nothing more, nothing else. However, the WBS is typically high level and does not display all the work or all necessary steps to produce the project scope.
Decomposition is the technique used to divide and subdivide the project WBS and project deliverables into smaller and more manageable parts called work packages. Work packages may also be called tasks or activities.
Normally, a work package should not be shorter than 8 hours or take longer than 80 hours to complete. This is called the 8/80 rule and may also be referred to as the 10-day rule.
The work package description should contain the following information:
- A summary of the work to be done
- Inputs required from other tasks
- The name of the person assigned to complete the task
- Any work specifications
- Resources that will be needed to complete the work
- The amount of time allocated to the work package
- Scheduled start and completion dates
- Cost or budget allocated to the work package
- Specific results or deliverables that are expected to be produced
See our post on Decomposition.