Concepts
In delivering a project successfully, one of the key principles is breaking down the project into manageable tasks. This concept, closely tied to Project Management Professional (PMP) principles, aids in refining the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which is essentially the most basic version of the project that can still deliver value.
For the purposes of this post, we focus on the importance of subdividing project tasks and how this practice helps in streamlining the process to achieve the MVP.
Understanding Project Breakdown Structures
Project Breakdown Structures (PBS) are a popular methodology in project management, one highly prescribed to in PMP. This approach advocates splitting the project into smaller parts using a tree-like structure, with the project at the root and subsequent deliverables as branches and leaves.
There are various types of project breakdown structures that can be employed, including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), Risk Breakdown Structure (RBS), and Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS). Each of these varies in the perspective they offer but essentially serve the same purpose – breaking down larger tasks to aid in project control.
Employing Project Breakdown Structures to Define the MVP
The MVP can be thought of as a product that has just enough features to be usable by early customers who can then provide feedback for future product development. By using breakdown structures for project management, the team can more easily identify the minimum functionality necessary for the MVP.
Take the example of a software development project. The MVP could include a basic user interface and critical functionalities of the software. Decomposing the project into smaller tasks might involve establishing the database structure, designing the user interface architecture, and so forth.
| # | Subdivided Tasks | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Establishing database structure | Defining database schema, tables, and relations. |
| 2 | Designing user interface | Creating layouts and menus, formulating color schemes, etc. |
| 3 | Coding critical functionalities | Writing code for software’s critical functions like data management, user handling, etc. |
How Subdividing Tasks Supports the MVP Drive
Subdividing tasks is advantageous in defining and developing the MVP because:
- Simplicity: Breaking down tasks makes them more manageable and easier to understand, helpful when different team members are working on different parts.
- Prioritization: Some tasks are more important to the MVP than others. Subdividing lets the team prioritize these tasks and their deliverables.
- Budget Management: Subdividing tasks allows for better allocation and management of resources, thus preventing cost overrun.
- Efficiently manage project timeline: When tasks are categorized and subdivided, it helps to set realistic time frames leading to heightened efficiency.
- Risk Management: By subdividing tasks, risks can be identified at the micro-level, allowing the project team to develop risk mitigation strategies.
Conclusion
Subdividing tasks not only does make managing a project much easier but also allows for the team to very clearly define, and thus achieve, the MVP. Therefore, it is an indispensable strategy as part of a PMP’s toolkit of project management methods. As it’s said in project management – “Work smarter, not harder!” – subdividing tasks is a testament to this wisdom.
The key takeaway is that subdivision is an effective strategy not just in managing a project but also in effectively delivering the Minimum Viable Product. Remember, every big project is just a series of small tasks!
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: The MVP or Minimum Viable Product represents an effort to present a version of the product with barely functional features.
- True
- False
Answer: True
Explanation: The Minimum Viable Product (MVP) in project management is a product version with just enough features to satisfy early customers and provide feedback for future development.
In a project management context, why does a team subdivide project tasks?
- A. To make the project management process more complicated
- B. To identify the minimum viable product
- C. To enhance team bonding
- D. All of the above
Answer: B. To identify the minimum viable product
Explanation: Project tasks are subdivided primarily to manage and control project processes more effectively, and in doing so, the minimum viable product can be identified.
True or False: All subdivisions of a project are equally important for finding the minimum viable product.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: Not all subdivisions of a project are necessarily important for finding the MVP. Some subdivisions may be focused on other project elements or aspects, or may deal with features that are not part of the MVP.
What is the primary reason to subdivide project tasks when developing an MVP?
- A. To reduce the project budget
- B. To speed up the project development
- C. To gain a better understanding of the project
- D. To identify the most essential features of the product
Answer: D. To identify the most essential features of the product
Explanation: In the context of an MVP, subdividing project tasks enables the project team to identify the most essential features that constitute the minimum viable product.
True or False: Subdividing project tasks always accelerates the completion of a project.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While subdividing tasks can improve management and efficiency, it does not necessarily accelerate project completion. The impact on project speed depends on other factors like team productivity, task interdependence, and communication efficiency.
What is the advantage of subdividing project tasks to find the MVP?
- A. Lower risk
- B. Improved accuracy
- C. Faster production
- D. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
Explanation: Subdividing project tasks can lower project risk by ensuring vital features are not omitted, improve accuracy by allowing closer attention to details, and enable faster production by facilitating parallel work on different project tasks.
True or False: An MVP does not include any customers interviewed or involved in testing.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The development of an MVP often includes interviewing customers or involving them in the testing process to gather feedback on the product’s key features.
True or False: The Minimum Viable Product is the product with the maximum set of features.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: The MVP is not the product with the maximum set of features. Instead, it’s a version of the product that has just enough features to satisfy the initial customers and provide useful feedback for future development.
True or False: The point of developing an MVP is to get the product to the market as quickly as possible, while tolerating many defects and problems.
- True
- False
Answer: False
Explanation: While the objective of an MVP is to get a functional product to the market quickly, it doesn’t imply tolerating lots of defects or problems. Instead, an MVP aims to meet basic functional requirements with the minimum number of defects.
Practical constraints in the project can be minimised by what action?
- A. Ignoring them
- B. Subdividing project tasks
- C. Increasing team members
- D. Increasing the project budget
Answer: B. Subdividing project tasks
Explanation: Practical constraints of a project can be better managed and minimised by subdividing project tasks. This can help to better understand, isolate, and mitigate individual challenges or constraints, and find the MVP more efficiently.
Great post! Subdividing tasks is essential in finding the MVP.
Agreed, breaking down tasks helps in identifying the core functionalities.
Thanks for the insights!
What tools do you recommend for task subdivision?
I think this concept is overly simplified.
Great content, really helpful!
Is there a specific framework to follow for subdividing tasks?
Much appreciated. This was very informative.