What’s a Work Package?

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A work package is a component within a project that can be easily assigned to a specific project team member or group of members for processing and completion. From this point of view, a work package can be defined as a smaller project that is part of a larger project. As part of the larger project, several subsidiary or smaller projects or smaller packages may be assigned to team members who focus their energies on completing those tasks ahead of deadlines set as part of the project management process.

The concept behind the work package is to ensure that the specific components of the project are completed on a schedule. At best, this approach seeks to match the talents and abilities of each project team member with the tasks needed, a strategy that helps increase the potential for completing essential tasks in a timely and logical manner. When assigned in a specific sequence with delivery dates that are also organized in a pattern, the ability to evaluate project progress is significantly easier.

While the exact composition of a work package will vary based on the nature of the project, most will contain a select group of components and specifications. The team member or members assigned to the package will be given specific start and end dates to manage the tasks included in the package. Descriptions of tasks assigned as part of the work package are also provided, including advice on any resources that may assist in completing those tasks. Each package is often assigned a specific type of accounting number, known as a cost center. Cost centers make it easy to track expenses associated with the overall project, making sure the cost stays within the budget. A cost center setup can include the project number along with an alphanumeric sequence that is unique to each job project, an approach that further helps maintain accurate cost accounting.

A number of benefits can arise from using a work package approach to a project. Assigning specific tasks or groups of tasks to the right team members increases the chances of keeping the project on target for completion within the allowed time frame. Making specific people accountable for completing those tasks can also pave the way for the cultivation of leadership skills among team members, which in turn enables employee development. Team members may also feel more connected to a project if they are assigned a work package, as their efforts will have a direct effect on the outcome of the project. In this case, members are likely to feel a greater degree of loyalty to the project and the team, which can come in handy if unforeseen complications arise at any point during the life of the project.

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