Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

A project management tool that organizes tasks into smaller, manageable units for better understanding, estimation, and tracking.

WBS Models

Three common formats to present a WBS:Outline, Organizational Chart, and Concept Map.

Outline Model

A simple, hierarchical list of tasks, suitable for smaller projects, presenting tasks in an easy-to-read format.

Organizational Chart Model

A hierarchical chart that breaks tasks into levels, ideal for larger projects, showing task dependencies.

Concept Map Model

A visual representation of task relationships, useful for agile projects where tasks can be completed concurrently.

Purpose of WBS

Helps understand project scope, estimate time and budget, illustrate task relationships, and allocate resources.

Work Packages

Core tasks or pieces of work within the WBS that are essential for project completion.

Level Indicators

A numbering system (e.g., 1, 1.1, 1.1.1) used to show the hierarchy of tasks in a WBS.

Links

Represent relationships between tasks, particularly task dependencies, in a hierarchical format or concept maps.

Guidelines for Creating a WBS

Recommendations to avoid excessive detail, ensuring clarity and focus on project goals.

Deliverable Basis

The lowest level of detail in a WBS should be acceptable for delivery to the customer.

Risk Management

Addressing specific risks during the decomposition of tasks in the WBS.

Organizational Guidelines

Adhering to internal standards, including quality control and testing protocols, when creating a WBS.

Critical Path

The sequence of essential tasks within the WBS that must be completed for the project to finish on time.

Task Dependencies

Relationships between tasks that determine the order in which they must be completed.