1. Running head: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORKBREAKDOWNSTRUCTURES,
NETWORK DIAGRAMS,AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE
TECHNOLOGY
The Relationship between Work Breakdown Structures, Network Diagrams, and Risk
Management in Performance Technology
Dominique Dunbar
HPI505- Principles of Human Performance Technology
Grantham University
Dr. Nikki Follis

2. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURES,NETWORK
DIAGRAMS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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Abstract
This paper will define the relationship that exists between work breakdown structures, network
diagrams, and risk management. In project management and performance technology it is
desirable that professional practitioners possess and use applications, skills, knowledge, tools,
and techniques that help achieve stakeholder needs and manage shareholder expectations. "HPT
has four characteristics that make it an excellent model of a project-based, quality-oriented
discipline. HPT projects are process- driven, temporary, unique, and naturalistic" (Pershing,
2006). Work breakdown structures and network diagrams are used as tools by HPT practitioners
and project managers to help mitigate project risks. Managing risks in project management and
performance projects aid in providing deliverables on time and within budget. These keys are
needed by both types of practitioners.

3. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURES,NETWORK
DIAGRAMS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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The Relationship between WBS, Network Diagrams, and Risk Management in Performance
Technology
"There are sound reasons for using project-management concepts, methods, and tools for HPT
projects" (Pershing, 2006). Work breakdown structures, network diagrams, and risk management
are interrelated process in performance projects. Risks are symbiotically understood through the
creation of network diagrams and work breakdown structures. As the performance project is
constructed in the planning phase, work packages take shape identifying the inputs that will
ultimately determine the overall output of the project. "Using the WBS and a scheduling device
like the Gannt chart, project managers are able to identify specific time frames when scarce
resources are needed" (Pershing, 2006). While it is rare that all project costs are fully accounted
for, WBS and Network Diagrams like the Gannt chart, minimize the risk of failure by assuming
and estimating these expenses and workloads upfront. Also, the "plan-do-check-adjust" method
of controlling project execution is a risk management technique that propagates continuous
improvement and smooth delivery. If the right people are on project management teams, it can
help to create a learning environment for any organization.
Work Breakdown Structures
"There are times when a project is so complex that it can seem overwhelming and unwieldy. It
is useful to divide the project into manageable parts or chunks called work packages" (Pershing,
2006). Building work breakdown structures (WBS) means defining and providing the layout of
work including the breakdown of time. In defining work and creating packages, human
performance technologists recommend using structured tiers and multiple different work
packages. As work packages are created detailing the specifics in time, resources, and tasks
performance technologists can provide clear and necessary pathways to accomplishing project

4. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURES,NETWORK
DIAGRAMS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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goals. Work packages also provide estimates of true project costs. As a tool, work breakdown
structures can "be presented in either text or graphic formulas" (Pershing, 2006). In text form a
list of numbered or alphabetized tasks are outlined. In graphic form, a chart is developed
showing the same numbered or alphabetized overview of the project. Furthermore, these tasks
are sequenced as dependencies are determined and work packages are defined specifying the
scope of key task in creating project deliverables. "The word dependency is used to describe the
temporal relationship between two or more work packages" (Pershing, 2006). Two of the
common dependencies are start-finish, in which a task cannot begin until a prior task is complete,
and independent tasks in which the graphic list is characterized by a diagram that takes on the
shape of a web.
Network Diagrams
Offspring of the work breakdown structure arises in the form of network diagrams. The
diagram is a visual representation of how a project will proceed and succeed. It is sometimes
called a logic diagram, and is arranged so that work packages are clearly understood. The general
rule of thumb in the network diagram is to keep communication in its simplest context to
facilitate understanding (www.successful-project-management.com, 2013). Network diagrams
are distinguishable parts of the work breakdown structure because it requires sequential layouts
whereas the WBS does not describe the sequence of work steps (Pershing, 2006). Also, creating
network diagrams "enables effective learning with project management because it enhances
knowledge creation and improves the quality of information transfer within and between
projects" (Ayas, 1996).
Risk Management

5. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURES,NETWORK
DIAGRAMS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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Project management, like performance technology, aims to continually improve processes by
using systemic and systematic inputs to define outputs. The systems approach to performance
and project management provides practitioners with the ability to mitigate risks in the planning
process and manage risks as the project is executed. "Risk is best managed by having
information systems that provide real-time data on all aspects of project status. By
acknowledging the potential for projects to go off track, the project team prepares itself by
developing early warning systems that alert the team to variances form plans" (Pershing, 2006).
Since risk result in accumulating financial cost, or project failure identifying potential risks is
optimally implemented during the planning phase of a project.
Conclusion
"Given the benefits provided to HPT projects, one would expect that the concepts, methods,
and tools of project management would be used on a regular basis" (Pershing, 2006). Managing
risk during the WBS stage include the process of creating work packages that Moreover, it is
within defining roles, responsibilities, work breakdown structures that performance technologist
and project managers help organization leaders understand the value they add to project success.
The knowledge, skills, and abilities of project managers and performance technologist help
minimize the risk of performance failure. "The concepts methods, and tools presented in
performance technology projects will not guarantee perfect projects, but careful attention to these
critical success factors will go a long way in improving results" (Pershing, 2006).

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DIAGRAMS, AND RISK MANAGEMENT IN PERFORMANCE TECHNOLOGY
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References
Ayas, K. (1996). Professional project management: a shift towards learning and a knowledge
creating structure. International Journal of Project Management, 14(3), 131-136.
Pershing, J. (2006). "The Handbook of Human Performance Technology". Third Edition.
Pfeiffer. Hoboken, NJ: USA. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Successful Project Management. (2013). "The Network Diagram-bringing order to the project
work flows". http://www.successful-project-management.com/network-diagram.html.