Work Package

Here you can find a simple Work Package template in Microsoft Word/Excel format, along with explanation on how to use it.

Download the Template

Background

You, as the Project Manager, is running the project stage by stage. Based on the Stage Plan, when it comes to start a new piece of work, you will discuss it with the Team Manager who’s supposed to deliver that, define every aspect of that, and document your agreement in a document. That document is the Work Package.

So, how what would you discuss?

You certainly have to talk about the nature and specifications of the product. That can be done by referencing the Product Description(s), because they contain the scope and quality of the product. Then it’s a good idea to talk about certain constraints and interfaces, and also to let them know how the products will be accepted. And then, you can talk about the objectives: the 6 variables, with their target values and tolerances.

Another thing that you need to discuss at this point is the format and frequency of the Checkpoint Reports. It’s defined here instead of a more generic document, because reporting needs depend on the nature of the product and its sensitivity, and is not the same for all of them.

Composition

The template has these main sections:

Document information: this is the generic information about the document and connections with your Configuration Management system. Feel free to add more information here, but it’s best to keep it simple.
Approval: this section is for capturing approvals. There are multiple lines, because you may have multiple versions of this document approved. If you have a well-formed Configuration Management system to track approvals, feel free to remove this section.
Description: information about scope, quality, constraints, change control, etc. Objectives: the 6 variables for the Work Package, with their targets and tolerances.

eLearning Courses

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