W3_Ocharlie_Compare OmniClass WBS options as an EVM tool

Problem definition

Compare WBS options in OmniClass as earned value management tools

Feasible alternatives

WBS with discipline orientation

WBS with phase orientation

WBS with component orientation

Develop the outcome of each alternative

Fig. 4 Discipline Oriented WBS

 

 

 Fig. 5 Phase oriented WBS

                                                                                                

 

Fig. 6 Component oriented WBS

 

Selection of criteria

Ease of assessment of progress status

Ease of communication

Bases for historical data

Analysis of alternatives

The OmniClass defines disciplines as the practice areas and specialisations of the actors that carry out the processes and procedures that occur during the cycle of construction activity. In the Retrofit project under consideration, fig 4 depicts the various disciplines. It gives the man-hour allocations for each discipline but this does not translate to actual productive man-hour. This is used in estimating construction costs and identifying and estimating labour costs. Questions on status of the project are not easily explained from the discipline status.

The phase oriented WBS shown is shown in fig.5. In this case the project is categorized into stages with the stages broken down into phases. OmniClass defines phase as potion of work that arises from sequencing work in accordance with a predetermined portion of a stage. In this case the onshore works becomes stage 1 of the project with procurement, fabrication, quality control and load out being the various phases of stage 1. The phases are tractable as each phase comprises various activities leading to product deliverables.

The component oriented WBS is shown in fig. 6. Component as defined in OmniClass is a single manufactured item, a manufactured assembly of many parts or a manufactured operational stand alone system. It equally includes base materials when used in their original form to achieve a construction work result. This oriented WBS classifies construction components by their appearance and unique functional information.  It is effective tool for material tracking and identification but does not show visible project status.

Selection of preferred alternative

Earned Value Measurement is a project control tool that focuses on earned value of work performed as project progresses and allows for effective measurement of the status in terms of both cost and schedule. In the three scenarios in figs. 4 to 6 it is clear that only fig.5 gives a visible status of the project in terms of milestone completion.

Performance monitoring and evaluation

The phase oriented WBS, the phase 2 which is fabrication can be taken down to level 3 to the main elements of product oriented WBS –skid and spools fabrication - and progress tracked both in terms of schedule and cost.

References

OmniClass Introduction and User`s guide (Ed 1), 2006-03-28 Release).

OmniClass Table 23- Product

OmniClass Table 31- Phases

OmniClass Table 33- Discipline

Hollman, J.K . (Ed). (2012). , Plan Project Scope and Execution Strategy development,

Total Cost Management Framework. (PP. 147-150) WV, AACE International