Organization Breakdown framework (OBS) can be defined as a framework or hierarchical representation of different roles within an organization, their responsibilities, and accountability. OBS can be implemented as a tool to manage the authorized work defined within the scope statement of the project.
Several entities serve different purposes in building projects and therefore having an OBS for clear allocation of roles is necessary. These roles and responsibilities must be based on the main objectives of the project which mostly revolve around a business motive. building projects involve a series of complex activities and decisions that require expertise along with clearly defined responsibilities.
OBS is an illustration of the method for the arrangement of organization and how these arrangements would report issues pertaining to the building project. OBS is a mere reflection of an organization based on the functions of project stakeholders.
A building project is usually broken into different segments where each segment is composed of several activities. These segments are called work breakdown structure (WBS) while these activities are usually termed as work packages.
OBS defines which entity would be responsible for the completion of a certain segment of WBS. The OBS shares a deep relationship with WBS. This also helps to define the scope of work. This procedure is usually aided by the method of Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM).
The structure is purely based on the objectives of the undertaking while considering the facility of subcontractors, staff, architectural and technical staff. Usually, the structure of OBS is prepared by the undertaking manager and it may contain modifications based on the size, complexity, and scope of the undertaking.
The technique of RAM is implemented in complex projects to assign different project members their respective activities or work packages. Different team members possess a different set of skills and they get assigned work based on their working capabilities or area of expertise. RAM is the visualization of the interaction between tasks that are needed to be completed for objectives and members of the project team.
The figure given below depicts a standard RAM, although there is room for variations based on variations in the undertaking.
Usually, it stabilizes the standard standard, reduces cost, and aids in finishing the project in time. The following steps must be considered for the development of an effective OBS. An effective OBS is one that clearly defines the roles of the different entities involved considering the scope, stakeholders, and objectives of the building project.
Organization Breakdown framework in building projects has a substantial role due to its effective administration application. In complex projects, different phases may overlap, creating a situation where it is hard to identify the team members that are needed for performing different activities.
This can give rise to uncertainties in a project. If every member in the team is aware of their responsibilities and roles, they can work effectively. Most of the safety and hazard guides recommend the use of OBS to define and implement construction strategies.
OBS forms the basis for many other breakdown structures that can be used throughout the various cycles of a construction project. These include cost breakdown structure, resource breakdown structure, risk breakdown structure, and feature breakdown structure.
In short, there are many management instruments that are implemented for achieving certain objectives within a construction project and OBS does add to these instruments.
It is an iterative procedure. Large organizations tend to define their framework and implement it for all the undertakings. On the other hand, some of the small undertaking teams that are disbanded after each undertaking have to establish their OBS separately for the next undertaking.
OBS would be beneficial in the administration and allocation of the resources, and the organization of team members. It makes sure all the activities are completed on time and no objective of the project is compromised.
Organization Breakdown framework (OBS) can be defined as a framework or hierarchical representation of different roles within an organization, their responsibilities, and accountability. OBS can be implemented as a tool to manage the authorized work defined within the scope statement of the project.
The framework of OBS is purely based on the objectives of the project while considering the facility of subcontractors, staff, architectural and technical staff. Usually, the framework of OBS is prepared by the project manager and it may contain modifications based on the size, complexity, and scope of the project.
RAM is the visualization of the interaction between tasks that are needed to be completed for objectives and members of the project team.
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