According to the PMBOK® Guide, the WBS Dictionary is a document that provides detailed delivery information about each component in the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). It supports the WBS by providing the narrative description of the work required to produce the deliverable.

Content of the WBS Dictionary: Because the WBS itself is usually a graphic hierarchy with limited text, the dictionary captures the specific details for each " work package. " Key elements typically include:

Code of account identifier (linking the WBS to the accounting system).

Description of work.

Responsible organization (the department or unit accountable for the work).

List of schedule milestones.

Associated schedule activities.

Resources required and Cost estimates.

Quality requirements and Acceptance criteria.

Technical references and Contract information.

Purpose: It prevents " scope creep " by clearly defining the boundaries of each work package. If a task is not described in the WBS Dictionary, it is considered out of scope.

Comparison with Other Options:

Change requests (B): These are formal proposals to modify any document, deliverable, or baseline. While a change request might result in an update to the WBS Dictionary, it is not a component of the dictionary itself.

Validated deliverables (C): These are an output of the Control Quality process. They are the actual completed products that have been inspected and found to be correct. The dictionary defines how to make them, but is not the deliverable itself.

Organizational process assets (D): These are the plans, processes, policies, procedures, and knowledge bases used by the performing organization. The WBS Dictionary may be archived as an OPA at the end of a project, but OPAs are an input to the creation of the dictionary, not a piece of information contained within it.