5 Differences Between Work Package And Activity

You are at the right place if you want to know the difference between Work Package and Activity. But, why do you want to differentiate between Work Package and Activity?

Practically, it doesn’t matter whether you call a Work Package an Activity or vice-versa. At the end of the day, you have to complete the project. The project work will not change because of nomenclature. However, if you are preparing for the PMP Exam then it is important to differentiate between Work Package vs Activity.

It is important to understand the definitions of Work Package and Activity before understanding the difference between them.

Work Package and Activity – Definitions, Differences & Examples

Work Package

The work defined at the lowest level of the work breakdown structure for which cost and duration can be estimated and managed.

PMBOK® Guide

You can refer to Max Wideman Glossary to read some other standard definitions.

Succinctly, we can say that:

A WBS is deliverable oriented. A deliverable is an outcome or a result of something. A deliverable provides some value to the project stakeholders.

You should read my article 7 Reasons to Create WBS before venturing ahead.

Activity

A distinct, scheduled portion of work performed during the course of a project.

PMBOK® Guide

You can refer to Max Wideman Glossary to read some other standard definitions.

Work Package vs Activity

Is it possible to differentiate between Work Package vs Activity after reading the above definitions?

I think, your answer would be a big No. Don’t get me wrong. The definitions absolutely correct, but they could be confusing for a new-comer. I have seen many Project Management professionals & students alike who find it difficult to comprehend these definitions. We cannot differentiate between the terms just by looking at the definitions. Let us go beyond the definitions to understand the difference.

Simple Explanation of Work Package

In simple terms we can say that

Work Package is a result of an endeavor.

a series of actions results in (creates) a Work Package.

Let us explore it further. A Work Package

is smallest level of deliverable.
is lowest component of a WBS.*
cannot be broken down further. It cannot be decomposed into a smaller level deliverable.*
provides some tangible value to the project stakeholder(s).
is recognized, required and valued by the project Stakeholder(s).
gives a sense of fulfillment & achievement to the project team.
provides satisfaction to the the project Stakeholder(s). It is handed over to the project Stakeholder(s), once it is created.

Note: Project team is free to create its own WBS and define Work Packages (lowest level deliverables). Some of these lowest level deliverables may be outsourced to a vendor. The vendor could treat such outsourced deliverables as the complete project.

Simple Explanation of Activity

Refer to the previous section. I wrote “a series of actions results in a (creates) a Work Package”. These actions are, in fact, the Activities performed by the project team. In simple terms we can say that series of activities creates a Work Package. An Activity, in itself, does not produce any result but a series of Activities results into a lowest level deliverable.

Examples

Let us take a look at two examples.

Software Development Project – Let us assume that project team has created a WBS with software modules as work packages. Integration of all modules will result in the completion of the software product. One such module could be “Module X” – it would be a work package. Project Team will have to perform series of Activities to create “Module X”. These Activities might include Algorithm Writing, DB preparation, Coding, Testing, Integration etc. Project Team might have to repeat these activities until delivery ready “Module X” is created.

Building Construction Project – Let us assume that project team has created a WBS with building floors as work packages. Completion of all floors will result in the completion of the Building. One such floor could be “Floor N” – it would be a work package. Project Team will have to perform series of Activities to construct “Floor N”. These Activities might include Floor laying, Wiring, Painting, Inspection etc. Project Team might have to repeat these activities until delivery ready “Floor N” is completed.

The Difference

Let us summarize the difference between Work Package vs Activity.

	Work Package	Activity
	It is one of the lowest level of deliverables in a project.	It is a means to create a deliverable. A series of activities results in a lowest level of deliverable.
	It is the result or outcome of an endeavor.	It is one step of the endeavor.
	It fulfills a portion of project and provides part satisfaction and some value to the project stakeholders.	An activity, in itself, does not provide any value to the project stakeholders.
	A deliverable has a tangible value and it is generally handed over to the project stakeholders.	It cannot be handed over to the project stakeholders.
	It is generally defined using a noun (outcome) e.g. ‘Module X’.	It is generally defined using a verb (work to be done) e.g. ‘testing’.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one man’s Work Package be another man’s complete Project?

Yes. e.g. If “Module X” is outsourced to a Contractor, then the performing organization would treat “Module X” as a Work Package and the Contractor would treat it as an entire Project.

Can one man’s Work Package be another man’s Activity?

Yes. It depends on the level of Decomposition. Different people tend to think differently. Different project managers may define WBS differently for the same project.

Are there any hard rules for creating a WBS?

No. it depends upon the organizational guidelines, stakeholder preferences, environment, type of project, project manager’s bias and many other varied factors. A WBS is good, as long as it includes the total scope of work. You can also read 2 ways to create WBS.

Why is WBS needed at all if the definitions are so flexible?

You should read 7 reasons to create WBS.

Do you still find work package vs activity confusing? Please leave a comment.

7 reasons to create WBS

2 Ways to create WBS

Praveen Malik, PMP

Praveen Malik is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) with a rich 23+ years of experience. He is a leading Project Management Instructor, Coach and Advisor. He has successfully trained thousands of aspirants for the PM certification exams.