What is the primary purpose of the organizational breakdown structure (OBS) in cost control?

The primary purpose of the organizational breakdown structure (OBS) in cost control is to assign cost accounts to responsible entities. An OBS provides a hierarchical representation of the project's organization and illustrates where costs will be allocated within that structure. This is essential for cost control because it allows project managers and stakeholders to have a clear understanding of who is responsible for managing and overseeing the financial aspects of each segment of the project.

By aligning cost accounts with specific organizational units or teams, it ensures accountability and helps in tracking spending against the budget. This structured approach supports effective monitoring, reporting, and management of project costs, ultimately leading to more informed decision-making regarding financial performance.

In contrast, while defining project scope, identifying potential risks, and developing marketing plans are all important aspects of project management, they are not the primary focus of the OBS in the context of cost control. The OBS is specifically geared toward facilitating cost management and establishing a clear connection between costs and organizational responsibilities.