Case 4.
1 : Manchester United Soccer Club
The Manchester United Soccer Club (MUSC), based in Manchester, New Hampshire, was founded to
develop youth soccer players to higher levels of competition. To generate revenue for field expansion and
scholarships, the club decided to organize its first summer invitational soccer tournament. Tournament
Director Nicolette Larson and her committee faced challenges in structuring and managing the project after
an unstructured first meeting. This case examines how a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and formal
project management techniques can help organize and deliver a successful event.
Q1. Make a list of the major deliverables for the project and use them to develop a draft of the work
breakdown structure for the tournament that contains three levels of detail. What are the major
deliverables associated with hosting an event such as a soccer tournament?
The following draft Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) provides a structured approach to organizing all
tasks necessary to host the MUSC Summer Invitational Tournament. It breaks the project into manageable
components with three levels of detail.
Level 1: Major Deliverable Level 2: Sub-Deliverables Level 3: Activities / Tasks
1. Tournament Planning & 1.1 Form Organizing Committee Assign roles: Director, Finance,
Administration Operations, Marketing
1.2 Develop Master Schedule Define milestones, key dates,
and deadlines
1.3 Obtain Approvals & Permits Apply for city permits, league
sanctioning, and insurance
2. Venue & Facilities 2.1 Secure Fields Negotiate with colleges and
Management parks for field use
2.2 Prepare Facilities Field setup, signage, seating, and
maintenance
2.3 Utilities & Amenities Restrooms, parking, tents, and
first aid station
3. Team Registration & 3.1 Develop Registration Create online forms and
Scheduling Process payment system
3.2 Determine Entry Fees Set price based on cost and
fundraising goals
3.3 Create Match Schedules Organize brackets, match times,
and divisions
4. Officials & Rules 4.1 Recruit Referees Contact certified referees and
Management confirm availability
4.2 Define Tournament Rules Game duration, tie-breakers, and
point system
4.3 Conduct Pre-Tournament Orientation for referees and team
Briefing managers
5. Marketing, Sponsorship & 5.1 Develop Branding Logo, banners, and T-shirt
Merchandise design
5.2 Secure Sponsors Approach local businesses and
corporate partners
5.3 Marketing & Media Social media, flyers, and press
Outreach releases
6. Financial Management 6.1 Prepare Budget Estimate and allocate costs per
deliverable
6.2 Monitor Revenue & Track registration income,
Expenses sponsorships, and merchandise
sales
6.3 Financial Reporting Summarize profits and
expenditures post-event
7. Logistics & Support Services 7.1 Volunteer Management Recruit, assign, and train
volunteers
7.2 Safety & Security First aid, security staff, and
emergency plan
7.3 Hospitality Food vendors, seating, and VIP
arrangements
8. Post-Tournament Activities 8.1 Awards & Recognition Organize ceremony, trophies,
and medals
8.2 Cleanup & Equipment Dismantle signage, clean-up
Return operations
8.3 Post-Event Evaluation Feedback survey and lessons
learned report
The list of the major deliverables for the project and a draft of the work breakdown structure for the
tournament is as follows:
WORK BREAK DOWN STRUCTURE
MUSC
Tournament
Qualified referee Team T-shirts
registration
Venue/field Reward system
Corporate
Sponsors
Equipment Security
Environment Entry Fees Team
screening
Trophies Medals
Q2. How would developing a WBS alleviate some of the problems that occurred during the first
meeting and help Nicolette organize and plan the project?
A WBS provides a launching pad for any project to be started. It helps in providing a clear plan and task
breakdown. There were different opinions at the first meeting by the members; therefore developing a WBS
was necessary in this [Link] helped in organizing a clear draft for the tournament. It also gave the
information to the members, that where their place lie in the projects besides developing co-ordination
between the members and giving a proper direction to Nicolette for planning the project.
A Work Breakdown Structure provides structure, clarity, and accountability. It breaks down the project into
smaller components, ensuring focus and effective resource allocation.
Problem from First Meeting WBS Solution
Unstructured brainstorming The WBS organizes ideas into clear categories and
priorities.
No assigned responsibilities Each task can be assigned to specific individuals
or subcommittees.
Unfocused discussions Future meetings can address one deliverable at a
time.
Poor time and cost tracking Each work package supports timeline and budget
estimation.
Scope confusion The WBS defines exactly what is and isn’t part of
the project.
Q3. Where can Nicolette find additional information to help her develop a WBS for the tournament?
Nicolette could consult the project managers of the other clubs, who have an experience arranging a
football tournament. She may also ask the people in her committee or club who have been involved in
organization and participation in a tournament of the same nature. Last but not the least; she may also
contact the industry organizations. This would be an additional benefit for her as she may have access not
only to the referee but to the other tournament officials.
Nicolette can use internal and external resources to create a realistic and professional WBS:
• Internal sources: MUSC’s prior participation in tournaments, board member input, and budget records.
• External sources: United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) guides, local sports event templates,
and advice from other clubs.
• Professional sources: Online project management resources and PMBOK guidelines.
These inputs will ensure that all operational, financial, and compliance aspects are covered in the WBS.
Q4. How could Nicolette and her task force use the WBS to generate cost estimates for the
tournament? Why would this be useful information?
Nicolette and her task force could use the WBS to generate the cost estimates for the tournament. To give
the estimation to the sponsors, so as to get proper sequence [Link] get information about the
different stages of the tournament like the awards ceremony, media involvement, T-shirts, drinks etc. As the
main purpose of the tournament was to generate revenue, therefore the cost estimations would be very
helpful so as to ensure whether it was really a profitable project or not. Yes, this would be useful
information because by generating the cost estimates, Nicolette would know her limits and therefore, the
resources would be used accordingly.
The WBS enables bottom-up cost estimation by identifying work packages and assigning a cost to each.
This helps build an accurate and transparent budget.
Step Example
Identify work packages Example: Referee fees, field rentals, and trophy
costs.
Estimate cost per task Assign cost values to each identified activity.
Aggregate costs by deliverable Sum costs per major WBS category (e.g., Venue
or Marketing).
Add contingency Include 5–10% to account for unforeseen costs.
The WBS transforms the MUSC Tournament from a disorganized idea into a structured
project. It improves coordination, accountability, and financial planning.
Recommendations:
• Use the WBS to structure all committee meetings.
• Assign clear ownership of each deliverable.
• Develop a budget and timeline directly from WBS components.
• Benchmark other tournaments for scope and cost validation.
Developing and applying a Work Breakdown Structure enables Nicolette and her team to
successfully organize the tournament. The WBS ensures clarity, accountability, and cost
control—key ingredients for delivering a successful event that achieves MUSC’s financial
and community goals.
Case 4.2 – The Home Improvement Project
Lukas and Anne Nelson decided to make modest improvements to their home, starting with the installation
of a bathtub. However, a series of incremental decisions and upgrades—each seemingly reasonable—
transformed the project from a simple renovation into a full-scale remodel. This case illustrates how
uncontrolled changes, known as scope creep, can drastically alter a project's cost and scope.
1. Factors and Forces Contributing to Scope Creep
Scope creep occurs when a project’s scope expands without proper control or adjustment to cost, schedule,
or resources.
A. Internal Factors
Factor Description & Example
Changing expectations The project grew from a $1,500 bathtub to a Jacuzzi with custom
finishes and new flooring.
Aesthetic preferences Anne disliked the original frame design and insisted on a cedar frame
with decorative tile.
Emotional decision-making Upgrades were driven by desire rather than necessity, e.g., tile and
lighting changes.
Lack of clear scope boundaries No written project plan or budget limit was defined.
Insufficient upfront planning The Nelsons failed to anticipate the water heater’s capacity
constraints.
B. External Factors
Factor Description & Example
Contractor influence Contractors suggested higher-end materials and additional services.
Social influence Friends’ comments persuaded the Nelsons to upgrade flooring and
finishes.
Emergent technical constraints The small water heater and inefficient furnace were discovered late,
prompting new expenses.
2. Is This an Example of Good or Bad Scope Creep?
This project demonstrates mostly bad scope creep—though a few outcomes provided long-term value.
A. Positive Aspects (Good Scope Creep)
• Enhanced property value through better materials and design.
• Increased satisfaction with a more comfortable, visually appealing bathroom.
• Prevented future heating issues with upgraded systems.
B. Negative Aspects (Bad Scope Creep)
• Cost overrun from $1,500 to over $12,000.
• Uncontrolled decision-making and lack of scope documentation.
• Reactive changes based on emotions and external opinions.
• Schedule delays and hidden costs due to multiple upgrades.
Overall, while some changes improved long-term value, the lack of planning and control made this an
example of poor scope management.
3. How Scope Creep Could Have Been Better Managed
The Nelsons could have contained scope creep by applying basic project management principles.
A. Define the Scope Baseline
• Create a written project scope statement specifying inclusions and exclusions.
• Set acceptance criteria (e.g., functionality, materials, and completion cost).
• Identify clear project goals: e.g., install a functional bathtub for $1,500.
B. Create a Budget and Change Control Process
• Establish a cost baseline and define a maximum budget limit.
• Review each proposed change (Jacuzzi, tile, lighting) for impact on cost and necessity.
• Use a simple change-approval checklist before committing to upgrades.
C. Conduct Risk and Dependency Analysis
• Assess related systems (e.g., water heater, electrical load) before project start.
• Include contingency funds for unforeseen technical issues.
D. Strengthen Decision-Making Discipline
• Agree that no change proceeds without joint approval.
• Avoid emotional or social pressure when making financial decisions.
E. Engage Professional Advice Early
• Consult contractors about system requirements before design changes.
• Request written quotes and compare alternatives to avoid last-minute add-ons.
5. Summary of Project Changes
Aspect Initial Plan Final Outcome Impact
Bathtub Standard tub – $1,500 Jacuzzi with custom +$2,000–$3,000
frame & tile
Flooring Laminate Full tile room & +$2,000
adjacent bathroom
Lighting Existing Custom lighting +$800
installed
Water Heating Existing tank New tank & furnace +$9,700
Total $1,500 Over $12,000 700% cost overrun
6. Key Lessons and Takeaways
1. Scope creep is natural but must be controlled through defined boundaries.
2. Written scope and change control prevent emotional or impulsive decisions.
3. A balance between satisfaction and budget discipline ensures successful outcomes.
4. Early risk assessment avoids costly rework and delays.
The Home Improvement Project demonstrates how easily uncontrolled scope creep can escalate costs and
complexity. Although the final result added comfort and value, the absence of formal scope management
led to poor cost control. Applying basic project management tools such as a defined scope baseline, budget
control, and structured decision-making would have allowed the Nelsons to achieve their goals more
efficiently and economically.