A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be executed by a project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables. In simpler terms, it’s a visual representation that breaks down the project into smaller, more manageable components.
Here’s a breakdown of key points about a Work Breakdown Structure:
Hierarchical Structure: A WBS organizes project work into a hierarchy of smaller, more manageable components. It starts with the highest-level deliverable or project objective and breaks it down into smaller, more detailed tasks.
Scope Definition: The WBS defines and describes the scope of work for the project. It provides a clear understanding of what needs to be accomplished to meet the project objectives.
Deliverable-Oriented: Each level of the WBS represents a deliverable or work package that contributes to achieving project objectives. It focuses on the outcomes or products of the project rather than activities.
Decomposition: The process of creating a WBS involves decomposing the project scope into smaller, more manageable components. This decomposition continues until the work is defined at a level where it can be easily planned, estimated, and executed.
Tree Structure: A WBS is often represented as a tree structure, with the project objective or end deliverable at the top (Level 1), followed by progressively more detailed levels of tasks and subtasks.
Control and Reporting: The WBS provides a framework for project control and reporting. It helps in tracking progress, managing resources, and identifying dependencies between different parts of the project.
Baseline for Planning: Once developed, the WBS serves as a baseline for project planning, scheduling, and budgeting. It helps in estimating costs, allocating resources, and defining project schedules.
Communication Tool: The WBS is also a valuable communication tool, helping project managers and stakeholders understand the project scope, structure, and deliverables.
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Why it is important?
Work Breakdown Structure is a important tool in project management that helps ensure project success by providing clarity, structure, and control over project work.
How to create WBS:
Creating WBS involves several steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you create one:
Define Project Objectives: Start by clearly defining the project objectives. What is the end goal of the project? What deliverables need to be produced to achieve these objectives?
Identify Major Deliverables: Break down the project into major deliverables or outcomes. These are the key components that need to be completed to achieve the project objectives.
Decompose Deliverables: Break down each major deliverable into smaller, more manageable components. Decompose them into sub-deliverables or work packages.
Use the 100% Rule: Ensure that the WBS includes 100% of the work required to complete the project. No work should be left out.
Organize in a Hierarchical Structure: Organize the deliverables and work packages in a hierarchical structure. Start with the highest level (Level 1) deliverables, then break them down into Level 2, Level 3, and so on.
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Use Verb-Noun Format: Describe each work package using a clear, action-oriented description. Use a verb-noun format to describe what needs to be done.
Keep It Manageable: Ensure that each work package is manageable in size and can be easily assigned to a single individual or team.
Consider Deliverable-based or Phase-based Approach: You can create the WBS based on deliverables (product-oriented) or phases of the project (phase-oriented). Choose the approach that best suits your project.
Use WBS Software or Tools: Consider using project management software or WBS tools to create and organize the WBS. These tools can help in visualizing the structure and managing changes.
Review and Validate: Once the WBS is created, review it with key stakeholders to ensure completeness and accuracy. Validate that all project work is included and that the structure makes sense.
Iterate as Needed: The WBS is not set in stone. It may need to be adjusted as the project progresses and more information becomes available. Be prepared to iterate and update the WBS as needed.
Document and Communicate: Document the WBS and communicate it to the project team and stakeholders. Ensure that everyone understands the project structure and their roles and responsibilities.
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Types of work breakdown structure:
Here are four common types of WBS:
Deliverable-Based WBS:
In this type of WBS, the project is broken down based on the deliverables or products that need to be produced.
Each level of the WBS represents a deliverable or end product of the project.
Example:
Level 1: Project
Level 2: Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3
Level 3: Deliverable 1.1, Deliverable 1.2, Deliverable 2.1, etc.
This type of WBS is commonly used in product-oriented projects where the focus is on the end deliverables.
Phase-Based WBS:
In this type of WBS, the project is broken down based on the phases or stages of the project lifecycle.
Each level of the WBS represents a phase of the project.
Example:
Level 1: Project
Level 2: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Controlling, Closing
Level 3: Deliverables and tasks within each phase
This type of WBS is useful for projects with well-defined phases, such as construction projects or software development projects.
Hierarchical WBS:
In this type of WBS, the project work is broken down into a hierarchical structure with multiple levels of detail.
Each level of the WBS represents a progressively more detailed level of work.
Example:
Level 1: Project
Level 2: Major Deliverables
Level 3: Sub-Deliverables or Work Packages
Level 4: Tasks and activities within each work package
This type of WBS provides a detailed breakdown of project work, making it easier to manage and track.
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Organizational WBS:
In this type of WBS, the project work is organized based on the organizational units responsible for performing the work.
Each level of the WBS represents a different organizational unit or department.
Example:
Level 1: Project
Level 2: Department A, Department B, Department C
Level 3: Teams or units within each department
Level 4: Tasks and activities assigned to each team or unit
This type of WBS is useful for projects where work is performed by different departments or teams within an organization.
Top 5 excel templates for creating WBS:
Here are five Excel templates for creating Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
Hierarchical WBS Template:
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- This template provides a hierarchical structure for breaking down project work into multiple levels.
- Each level is represented in a separate column, making it easy to visualize the breakdown of work.
- Download Hierarchical WBS Template
Deliverable-Based WBS Template:
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- This template focuses on breaking down project work based on deliverables or end products.
- It allows you to list deliverables at each level and further decompose them into sub-deliverables or tasks.
- Download Deliverable-Based WBS Template
Phase-Based WBS Template:
- This template organizes project work based on the phases or stages of the project lifecycle.
- It provides separate sections for each project phase, allowing you to break down work within each phase.
- Download Phase-Based WBS Template
Task-Oriented WBS Template:
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- This template focuses on breaking down project work into specific tasks and activities.
- It allows you to list tasks at each level and further decompose them into sub-tasks as needed.
- Download Task-Oriented WBS Template
Color-Coded WBS Template:
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- This template uses color-coding to visually distinguish between different levels of the WBS.
- It provides a clear and organized structure for breaking down project work.
- Download Color-Coded WBS Template
Read More: Work breakdown structure – Wikipedia
Conclusion: