Add WBS Planning Packages

A WBS element may be identified as a summary level planning package (SLPP) when there isn't enough information about the work scope to detail plan the work effort into one or more control accounts and related work package tasks. They are often used during the execution phase of a project for rolling wave planning. Summary level planning packages do require you to define a period of performance and likely resource requirements for the work effort (identify the scope, schedule, and budget). A project organization structure element assignment is also required for the Integrated Program Management Data and Analysis Report (IPMDAR) Data Item Description (DID) that is placed on contracts with earned value management reporting requirements.

Prerequisites

  • When applicable, add a work breakdown structure (WBS)/control account level user defined code for the OBS and assign the organization entity responsible for the summary level planning package WBS element. See Account Attributes.
  • Add a Work Package to the applicable lowest level WBS element for the future work effort. Identify the likely Start Date and End Date to define the period of performance for the future work effort planning package. Typically Linear or Manual are the best options to select for the Spread. From the EV Technique dropdown, select Planning Package.
  • Add a Resource Assignment for the work package. Add one or more resources to identify the likely resources required to complete the scope of work.
  • Enter Time Phased Values for the assigned resources to determine the likely total budget required to complete the scope of work.
  1. Select Home > Earned Value in the Navigation Menu. The main EVMax window displays.
  2. Select your project from the Project dropdown in the Ribbon Menu.
  3. Expand the WBS hierarchy as needed to view the lowest level WBS elements.
  4. Select the Admin tab.
  5. Select the parent WBS element row for the summary level planning package and click Planning Package in the Ribbon Menu. The view returns to the Main tab. The WBS element row and related work package row now include the planning package icon in the Planning Package column.

  6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 as needed for each WBS element you want to identify as a summary level planning package.

    Tip:

    Remember that summary level planning packages must be converted to one or more control accounts with related work packages and resource assignment details before work begins. An earned value technique is also assigned to the control account level work packages. First remove the Planning Package designation using the Admin tab window. Select the applicable parent WBS element and click Planning Package in the Ribbon Menu. Depending on the work scope, you could then identify the WBS element as a control account and update the related work package and resource assignment details or you could break the work effort into lower level WBS elements with control accounts, related work packages, and resource assignment details.