In Project Time Management, which of the following combinations correctly identifies a typical input, a tool or technique, and a primary output of the Activity Definition process according to the PMBOK Guide?

Introduction / Context:
The Activity Definition process in Project Time Management is where the project work is broken down into individual schedule activities that can be estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled. This process builds on the project scope statement and the work breakdown structure to create a clear list of activities needed to produce each deliverable. Understanding the typical inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of Activity Definition is fundamental for schedule planning and for PMP exam questions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Time Management.
• The process under discussion is Activity Definition sometimes called Define Activities.
• We need one representative input, one tool or technique, and one primary output.
• Upstream scope processes have produced a scope statement and WBS that describe deliverables and major work packages.
• The goal now is to translate that scope into a list of detailed activities.

Concept / Approach:
Activity Definition uses the project scope statement, the WBS, and the WBS dictionary as key inputs because these documents describe what must be delivered. Through the tool and technique of decomposition, work packages are broken down into smaller, more manageable schedule activities. The main output is the activity list, which enumerates all activities needed to accomplish the project scope. This list is complemented by activity attributes and sometimes a milestone list, which provide more detail for each activity.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a logical input. The project scope statement is essential, because it defines the product scope and describes what the project will deliver. Step 2: Select a relevant tool or technique. Decomposition is used here to break down work packages from the WBS into individual schedule activities. Step 3: Determine the primary output. The activity list is the main deliverable of the process, listing all schedule activities required to complete the project. Step 4: Review the answer choices and choose the combination project scope statement, decomposition, and activity list. Step 5: Ensure that other options are clearly associated with different knowledge areas or processes such as cost, quality, or human resources.

Verification / Alternative check:
PMBOK style ITTO tables for Define Activities typically show the scope baseline including the project scope statement, WBS, and WBS dictionary as inputs. Decomposition, templates, expert judgment, and rolling wave planning are listed as tools and techniques. Outputs include the activity list, activity attributes, and milestone list. This matches the combination used in the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B describes cost management, particularly cost control and forecasting. Option C belongs to scope verification or validate scope, not to defining activities. Option D is related to quality control, including control charts and quality measurements. Option E is part of human resource management and acquiring project team members. None of these reflect the time management task of defining schedule activities from the scope.

Common Pitfalls:
A common misunderstanding is to think that decomposition occurs only during WBS creation. In reality, decomposition is used again to break work packages into activities. Another pitfall is assuming that activity definition happens automatically as part of WBS design, when in fact it is a separate process that turns deliverable focused scope into schedule focused activities. For the exam, link Activity Definition with scope statement input, decomposition, and activity list output.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Activity Definition is project scope statement; decomposition; activity list.