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PK0-005 Practice Question: A project manager is creating a work breakdown…
A project manager is creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) for a software development project. Which technique is most effective for decomposing the project scope into manageable components?
⚠ Common exam trap
PK0-005 often tests whether candidates confuse WBS construction techniques (decomposition) with estimating techniques (analogous, bottom-up, parametric) or scheduling techniques (rolling wave), so the trap is picking a familiar-sounding estimating term when the question asks how scope is broken down.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Decomposition
Decomposition is the actual PMBOK technique used to break down project scope and deliverables into smaller, more manageable work packages within the WBS. It is the tool and technique listed under the 'Create WBS' process, applied iteratively until work packages are at a level where they can be estimated, scheduled, and assigned. The other options are estimating or scheduling techniques, not WBS construction techniques.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Bottom-up estimating
Why it's wrong here
Bottom-up estimating aggregates cost or effort from the lowest-level components upward; it produces estimates, not the hierarchical decomposition itself, so it cannot create the WBS structure. It is tempting because it follows decomposition and improves accuracy, and it would be the correct technique when costing already-defined work packages.
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Rolling wave planning
Why it's wrong here
Rolling wave planning progressively elaborates near-term work packages while deferring distant detail, so it does not fully decompose the entire project scope into a complete WBS hierarchy. It is tempting because it suits long, uncertain projects, and it would be the correct technique when detailed planning of later phases must wait for more information.
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Analogous estimating
Why it's wrong here
Analogous estimating derives duration or cost from comparable past projects; it does not decompose scope into deliverables. WBS creation requires decomposition techniques such as top-down or work-package breakdown. Analogous estimating would suit early-stage effort forecasting when historical data exists, not scope definition.
- ✓
Decomposition
Why this is correct
Decomposition subdivides project scope and deliverables into progressively smaller, manageable work packages, which is the recognised WBS technique. It directly satisfies the stem's requirement to break scope into manageable components, unlike alternatives such as brainstorming or expert judgement that generate ideas rather than structure scope.
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Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official CompTIA exam blueprint
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