In the WBS, what is the smallest unit of work that can be assigned and measured?

In the WBS, what is the smallest unit of work that can be assigned and measured?

• A. Milestones
• B. Deliverables
• C. Phases
• D. Activities (work packages)

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the WBS is built down to the level where work can actually be assigned to someone and measured for performance. That deepest level is a work package, which is the smallest unit you can plan, cost, and track. In scheduling, those work packages are often described as a set of activities—the specific actions needed to complete the work package. So the best choice combines both ideas: the work packages (the smallest assignable pieces) and the activities that represent the tasks performed within them. Milestones mark points of progress, not work; deliverables are outputs produced, not the unit of work itself; and phases are larger groupings.

The key idea is that the WBS is built down to the level where work can actually be assigned to someone and measured for performance. That deepest level is a work package, which is the smallest unit you can plan, cost, and track. In scheduling, those work packages are often described as a set of activities—the specific actions needed to complete the work package. So the best choice combines both ideas: the work packages (the smallest assignable pieces) and the activities that represent the tasks performed within them. Milestones mark points of progress, not work; deliverables are outputs produced, not the unit of work itself; and phases are larger groupings.