For a project to succeed, it needs to be thoroughly planned with detailed information on each step. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) shows specific tasks that need to be completed prior to the implementation of a project (Sipes, 2019). On the other hand, a tool such as the Gantt chart defines the owners and the time period for each task (Sipes, 2019). The joint application of the WBS and the Gantt chart helps structure a project making it more organized and easier to implement.
Although the WBS and the Gantt chart are similar in terms of dividing a project into smaller tasks, there is a certain difference. Typically, the WBS is the first to be completed out of the two (Sipes, 2019). The WBS starts with the project scope statement and then divides and organizes it into several tasks (Sipes, 2019). The scope statement of this project is based on establishing the social determinants of childhood obesity. The parents will have to be included in the project as they strongly impact the children and, therefore, are important for the final results (Weihrauch-Blüher et al., 2018). A crucial part of this project depends on the support from the school and the incorporation of the programs with school plans (Green et al., 2018). To a certain extent, the Gantt chart is a continuation of the WBS. The chart defines the time required to complete each task and helps to establish the duration of a project (Sipes, 2019). The WBS and the Gannt chart for this project will be based on the required programs and include certain points from previous papers.
The Gannt chart and the WBS are meant to structure a project and define the most important or missing aspects. Smaller tasks are expected to be accomplished better rather than bigger ones by simplifying the overall job and providing more control over the project. In the end, the WBS and the Gannt can be perceived by the project team will as guidelines to follow in an organized manner.
References
Green, A., Innes-Hughes, C., Rissel, C., Mitchell, J., Milat, A., Williams, M., & Wiggers, J. (2018). Codesign of the Population Health Information Management System to measure reach and practice change of childhood obesity programs. Public Health Research and Practice, 28(3), 1-6. Web.
Sipes, C. (2019). Project management for the advanced practice nurse (2nd ed.). Springer Publishing Company.
Weihrauch-Blüher, S., Kromeyer-Hauschild, K., Graf, C., Widhalm, K., Korsten-Reck, U., Jödicke, B., & Wiegand, S. (2018). Current guidelines for obesity prevention in childhood and adolescence. Obesity facts, 11(3), 263-276. Web.
Appendix A
Work Breakdown Structure
Project: Childhood Obesity Prevention and Health Promotion
Scope:
- Define the scope.
- Develop the official plan for change with measures of success.
Communication:
- Conduct polling on families that would like to take part in the project.
- Meet with the parents and children.
- Mett with the representatives from the school.
Budget:
- Meet with the finance department to finalize the budget, including costs.
- Procure technical resources (scales, a height meter, and a calculator).
Implementation:
- Conduct parents’ education concerning healthy eating habits.
- Meet with the parents and children to promote of a healthy lifestyle.
- Organize daily reminders for the parents and children.
Metrics:
- Measure the body mass index of the children.
- Measure environmental factors involved in the formation of excess body weight.
- Conduct anonymous polling as to the weight increase/decreasing.
- Collect data.
Appendix B
