Work Packages

Purpose

Work Packages define the information about one or more Deliverables for the Project/Project Manager to pass responsibility for delivery to a Team Manager or a team member.

Derivation and Source Requirements

Work Packages are derived from the Deliverable Breakdown Structure, Schedule, Estimate, Project Management and Phase Plans.

Composition

A work package should cover:

·       Date

·       Lead Section – who’s responsible for completing the deliverables to the required standard.

·       Work Package Description

·       Deliverable Descriptions

·       Techniques, process and/or procedures to be used

·       Interfaces to be satisfied by the work

·       Interfaces to be maintained during the work

·       Quality checking method to be used

·       Configuration Management Requirements

·       Phase Plan exact references

·       Joint agreement on effort, cost, start and end dates

·       Sign off requirements

·       Work returned arrangements

·       How completion is to be advised

·       Any constraints to be observed

·       Independent quality checking arrangements

·       Reporting arrangements

·       Problem handling and escalation

Quality Criteria

Is the Work Package clearly defined and understood by the assigned resource?

Are the deliverables defined (referenced) with clearly identified and acceptable quality criteria?

Does the deliverable information align with the Work Package information?

Are the standards for the work agreed?

Are the defined standards in line with similar products?

Have all the necessary interfaces been defined?

Does the reporting arrangement include provision for exception reporting?

Is there an agreement between the Project Manager as to what exactly needs to be done?

Is there agreement on the constraints, including effort, costs and schedule?

Are the dates aligned with the dates in the Schedule?

Are the reporting arrangements defined?

Are there any requirements for independent attendance at, and participation, in quality checking?  If so are they defined?

Quality method and skills

The Work Package will be reviewed and agreed by the Project Manager and the Team Leader.  The Project Support Office will check the Work Package against the Estimate, Spend Profile and Schedule.