Work Breakdown Structures Within Data Centre Projects: Assessing Influence and Application Strategies

In a period marked by a skilled workforce shortage, a dynamic and an escalating workload, the acceptance of schedule overruns in the construction industry appears commonplace. Amidst these challenges, the urgency to secure project completion milestones remains as an essential mandate. The incorporation of the work breakdown structure, according to literature, is a critical component of the project schedule, however, it is noticeably omitted from discussions around schedule overruns. Therefore, this study aims evaluate the methods in which a work breakdown structure is applied and assessed in Data Centre projects. A literature review, coupled with semi-structured interviews, focuses on which constraints and performance measurement techniques, a work breakdown structure influence. Findings highlight a lack of understanding, a misconception on the level of effort required for WBS development, a lack of WBS performance measurement techniques, and minimal meaningful literature from which to develop a person's understanding of the complexities of a WBS. This study's originality becomes apparent in shedding light on the frequently underestimated influence of work breakdown structures on Data Centre construction projects. Its value lies in its potential to enhance collaboration and alignment between client and contractor in defining project scope to achieve a successful construction timeframe.