Question

Developing a detailed work breakdown structure (WBS) for a system development project is a basic function of project management. What part should be played by systems engineering in the definition of the WBS in addition to detailing the section named “System’s Engineering”.

Answer 1

There is a role for a System Engineer in Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Apart from the task it is assigned to a System Engineer, there is a crucial role that is analogous to a catalyst role in a reaction. Where officially a system engineer is not assigned to the required work but there is a necessary work to do. The Work Breakdown Structure acts like a base for the development of the system. Here in the hierarchical structure for a project, it defines all the goods and services to be performed.

Before starting the WBS form of systematic organization, the early planning of the System Engineer focuses on the product to be developed and ensures that all the work performing completes the product and services for the system proposed. Also it plays an important role in helping the project manager to structure the WBS so as to achieve this objective. The WBS is structured in such a way that it has different levels to be met and the concerned engineers of the level should guide respective level and also the system engineer should supervise it.

In case of the system product level of Work Breakdown Structure, the system engineer should ensure the product concept, development and also the integration of the each divided system. As a system engineer he should take care of the system concept development and the further designing process all that should be done according to the customer need. When it comes to testing, there are different kinds of testing, like the testing of the system as a whole System and there is even testing of the sub systems. Apart from these there is even testing for the integration of the subsystem to make sure that it is articulated perfectly. In case of project management, where it is dealt with cost, scheduling and the reviews and the related activities as a System Engineer he should take care of the cost limitations and the work to be made in the given time frame.

Like this though the system engineer has a separate role/task in the systematic organization form of Work Breakdown Structure, for the sake of the better yields of the product and its results to be in synchronous with the customer need, the system engineer should play the additional roles.