
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool that takes a step-by-step approach to completing large projects in several moving pieces. By breaking the project down into smaller components, the WBS can integrate scope, cost, and deliverables into one tool. While most WBSs are achievable, they can also be phase-specific. Read on to learn more about what WBS can do for your business.
What is a job breakdown structure?
The Project Management Institute’s PMBOK® Guide – Third Edition. WBS defines. As a “deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition performed by the project team to achieve project objectives and create necessary deliverables. Organizes and defines the overall scope of the project. Each step down shows a more detailed description of the project’s work. The WBS is broken down into work packages. Hierarchical reachability includes both internal and external delivery.
Some common terms used with WBS project management include:
- Eligibility Criteria: Standards that must be met to meet the requirements of customers or other stakeholders
- Budget: Costs related to the project, which can be divided by delivery or stages
- Items to be shipped: The product, service, or outcome created during the various phases of the project. For example, in a website design project, an accessible WBS is structured around deliverables such as URL, layout, and text content.
- Important events The critical stages of the project identified in the WBS
- Levels: Different stages of the project. For example, in a website design project, a phase-based WBS is structured around things like discovery, design, and launch rather than specific deliverables.
- WBS Work breakdown structure
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Key features and components of WBS
The key element of the work breakdown structure is the 100% rule. This means that the WBS includes all aspects of the project as well as the person or team responsible for that aspect.
Another key feature of WBS is its streamlined structure. When applying the 100% rule, WBS Level 1 will be the total of the project. Some WBSs include a high-level, if not self-explanatory, description or overview of the project. Each level below that breaks down the project in more detail using the 100% rule at each level. For example, if you are creating a WBS for a new website, step 1 would be “Website for a new brand”. Phase 2 will develop the elements necessary to bring the project to fruition, such as a secure website URL, design layout, and content. Each subsequent step continues to divide the elements into more details.
Why WBS is helpful for project management.
A work breakdown structure is a helpful project management tool for many reasons. First, breaking the project down into bite-sized chunks makes the project more manageable and manageable.
Second, it provides a roadmap for the various individuals and groups working on the project. Many projects involve different groups that operate independently, all of which must be coordinated and integrated for the completion of the project. Using WBS, different individuals and groups can focus on their specific tasks and deliverables, and see how their part fits into the project as a whole.
Finally, the WBS is a great tool for measuring project completion, identifying risks, and allocating budget resources. By using the 100% rule, project managers can be sure that the project is on budget and that there are no roadblocks due to “surprises.”
How to create and use WBS
To use a work breakdown structure effectively, it is important to include all project elements (remember the 100% rule above) but without too much detail. Ultimately, there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to a WBS.
To create a WBS:
1. Define the project. The first step in creating a work breakdown structure is to clearly establish the project. For some projects, this can be fairly straightforward. For other projects, the WBS may need to refine the actual scope of the project so that it is properly scaled and not inconvenient.
2. Set project boundaries. Once the project is defined and defined, you can set boundaries on what is and isn’t included in the WBS.
3. Identify project deliverables. This includes high-level deliverables related to the project, such as a project scope statement or mission statement.
4. Step 1 Define the classes. Remember the 100% rule when creating Tier 1 offers.
5. Break down each of the 1st level components. Step 1 The process of breaking down substances is called decomposition. It involves breaking down a task into smaller and smaller pieces, applying the 100% rule at each step. At each subsequent step, ask yourself whether further decomposition will improve project management. Continue breaking down the elements until the answer to the question is “no”. After completing the decomposition process for each component in Step 1, the WBS is complete.
6. Identification of team members. Identify an individual or team responsible for each component.
7. Create a Gantt chart to accompany the WBS. A Gantt chart shows activities over time so that you can visualize information related to the project schedule and its various activities.
WBS examples, templates and tools
If you’re looking for some guidance, there are many examples, templates, and software tools to help you create a work breakdown structure for your project. If you want to see some examples of how others have used the WBS as a project management tool, take a look WorkBreakdownStructure.com.
If you need a little more guidance, templates may be the way to go. There are many templates available for download. Monday, Project manager And Write.
If you’re looking for more help with creating your WBS, or if you need a more comprehensive and detailed WBS, a software tool may be the way to go. Platforms such as WBS Schedule Pro and Microsoft Visio offer intuitive software options.
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