Six Sigma Green Belt Certification Practice Exam

What is a work breakdown structure (WBS)?

1. A measurement of a system used to determine the success of a project

2. A detailed listing of activities required to complete a project

3. A cumulative calculation of yield over multiple process steps

4. A secondary metric derived from a primary metric

The correct answer is: A detailed listing of activities required to complete a project

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is fundamentally a detailed listing of activities required to complete a project. It breaks down the project into smaller, manageable components, allowing teams to organize their work and clarify project tasks. The WBS serves as a hierarchical framework that outlines all deliverables and subdivides them into actionable parts, which helps in estimating resources, timelines, and costs more effectively. This structure not only enhances clarity among team members regarding their roles and responsibilities but also fosters better communication and tracking throughout the project lifecycle. The other options do not accurately describe a work breakdown structure. For instance, a measurement of a system to determine project success pertains more to performance metrics or evaluation mechanisms rather than breakdown activities. Similarly, cumulative calculations of yield are related to process performance and quality management, and secondary metrics derived from primary metrics focus on measurement rather than the organization of tasks needed to complete a project. Thus, the correct understanding of WBS highlights its role in task organization and project management, making answer B the appropriate choice.