Activity Codes is used for grouping and classifying activities, in

which we can use filter and work on them very effectively, it is very user
friendly for project managers (PM) and programmers. WBS is a has a wide
spectrum of scope where all stakeholders are usually logged in to view
any aspect on the project from a broader point of view, where is by
creating an activity code by Project Manager, he can focus on a specific
aspect where he can mold it in his own way to focus on desired part /
aspects of any project.
In order to develop a logical response to the answer, I will initially
define role and Importance of an activity code. Activity Codes enable PM
to classify and categorize activities according to his organizational and
project needs. He can use activity codes to view and roll-up activities in
the Activity Table; build reports in the Report Wizard or Report Editor;
organize a layout by grouping activities into specific categories; and select
and summarize activities. Examples include Phase, Area, Site, and
Division. Now I will give a brief on the WBS, it is an outlining method that
let all stakeholders including PM organize separate jobs under their own
separate outline and do not depends upon all jobs having the same library
of codes for a Portfolio view. When viewing a Portfolio of jobs, WBS
outlining will merge without problem on most software packages while
multiple activity codes are enabled at same time and at times they can
create problems also. It is a common need for Owners / senior stakehoders
to be able to see all their jobs, from different contractors and
stakeholders, within his portfolio to determine among other the overall
projection for cash flow and here the WBS outlining method will provide
for the required view. Same as the Owner at some point we will need to
see the overall picture, even if all our jobs can be said to be stand alone.
Get proficient with the use of WBS as it is a requirement to manage
Portfolios. So by using an activity code, PM can easily look into scope of
that activity code.
Advantages of activity code include, 1- Are easier to setup. 2Meaning of each level is always constant while this is not necessarily so
under other outlining methods.3- Easier to reorganize the order of levels
by simply moving the codes. And in WBS, they can help in maintaining
focus on that aspect. Activity codes lead to development of WBS Codes,
which are needed to keep order in Portfolio of Jobs especially when activity
code
values
are
not
shared.
It is created from Activity Codes, this makes it easier to reorganize if this
satisfy your needs. Most software provide for a single WBS dictionary
which makes very hard if not impossible for two users define their own
based on their particular needs. Here also activity code helps to make own
portfolio and develop work on that.