Work break down

Question

Would like to discuss my answer to the following question relating to work break down structure:

A company runs a mail-order business and has a requirement for a new application on its existing menu-driven computerized engineering system that will allow staff to do the following tasks:

1) Query their current customer database and add new customer details.

2) Order goods from suppliers when customers place purchase mail-orders

3) Send monthly bills to each customer as appropriate for goods sent to that customer.

4) Check outstanding debts and issue reminders

The following wbs shows an initial plan but contains 4 mistakes. Identify and explain them.

My answer:

Mistake 1: Not sure if "Client's requirements" should be included in the wbds.

Mistake 2: "Design order form" should not be placed under "Query Functions", instead should be placed under "Order Goods Functions"

Mistake 3: "Order Goods Functions" should be in level 1.

Mistake 4: Integration into Live system should be broken down. "Build and Test" will be placed under "Integration into live system".

Appreciate any suggestions/ corrections. Thanks

Answer 1

I agree with @Daniel's comment that this is a poor question to ask.

In terms of suggestions be wary that this may be in part a trick question as a mistake may be components missing from the WBS. For example, a best practice is to include project management activities (initiating, planning, controlling/monitoring, closing) in the WBS as they represent work within the scope of the project.