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

Introduction / Context:
The Scope Definition process in Project Scope Management is where high level requirements and initial scope ideas are transformed into a detailed project scope statement and a structured breakdown of the work. In classic PMBOK presentations this process is strongly linked to creation of the work breakdown structure WBS through the technique of decomposition. Understanding which inputs, tools, and outputs belong here is critical for answering exam questions and for building a solid project scope baseline.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The knowledge area is Project Scope Management.
• The process in focus is Scope Definition, which leads directly to creation of the WBS.
• We want a representative input, tool or technique, and primary output combination.
• PMBOK style ITTOs apply, even if naming has evolved slightly in newer editions.
• The question is conceptual rather than asking for every possible ITTO in a table.

Concept / Approach:
Scope Definition uses the previously created scope management plan, preliminary scope statement, and other planning documents as its key inputs. One of the most important tools and techniques is decomposition, the process of breaking large deliverables into smaller, more manageable components. The most visible output is the work breakdown structure WBS, typically accompanied by the WBS dictionary and an updated detailed scope statement. These products together form the scope baseline, which will later be used for schedule and cost planning and for scope control.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify a typical input to Scope Definition. The scope management plan is a logical input because it describes how scope will be defined and provides guidance for building the WBS. Step 2: Identify the core tool or technique. Decomposition is the signature technique for turning deliverables into a hierarchical WBS structure. Step 3: Identify the primary output. The work breakdown structure WBS is the central result of Scope Definition, representing the complete project scope subdivided into work packages. Step 4: Compare the options and select the set that includes scope management plan, decomposition, and WBS. Step 5: Verify that the other options pair inputs and outputs that clearly belong to different knowledge areas or processes.

Verification / Alternative check:
Looking at typical PMBOK tables for Scope Definition or Create WBS, you will see the scope management plan and project scope statement among the inputs. Decomposition appears as the primary tool. Outputs list the WBS, the WBS dictionary, and updates to the scope statement. This strongly supports the combination scope management plan, decomposition, and WBS as the correct representative ITTO set for the process.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B uses inspection and accepted deliverables, which align with scope verification or validate scope, not scope definition. Option C lists cost baseline, which is an output of cost budgeting, together with parametric estimating from cost and time management. Option D groups items from activity sequencing in time management rather than scope definition. Option E introduces quality management plan and control charts, which belong to quality management, not scope definition.

Common Pitfalls:
One frequent error is confusing Scope Planning with Scope Definition and thinking that the WBS is produced during the first high level planning step. Another pitfall is mixing schedule artifacts, such as network diagrams, with scope artifacts. For exam purposes, remember that Scope Definition or Create WBS is where decomposition occurs and where the WBS emerges as the key output, based on guidance from the scope management plan.

Final Answer:
The correct ITTO combination for Scope Definition is scope management plan; decomposition; work breakdown structure WBS.