What is the work breakdown structure and how to create it? This is a general question while using project management tools. A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) helps you in breaking large projects into manageable work. It has the capability of combining scope, cost, and deliverables into a single tool.
Either you manage complex or basic projects, This blog will help you to create work breakdown structures in order to produce more profitable and timely projects.
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What is Work Breakdown Structure?
A Work Breakdown Structure is a hierarchical breakdown of the tasks necessary to complete a project. The work breakdown structure (WBS) “breaks down” a project’s structure into manageable deliverables or phases.
It makes it easier to organize, visualize, and manage projects. It provides a foundation for thorough cost estimation and control, as well as an overview for the entire project timetable.
Types of Work Breakdown Structure
There are two main types of work breakdown structures:
1. Deliverable-based WBS
2. Phase-based WBS
Deliverable-based WBS:
Deliverable-based Work Organization Structures show the relationship between project deliverables (blog entries, animations, and software) and project scope (the amount of work necessary).
Here’s an example of a part-deliverable-based work breakdown structure for a marketing campaign.
Phase-based WBS
Work Breakdown in Phases Structures manage project activity and deliverables according to the normal phases your project goes through.
Here’s an example of a phase-based work breakdown structure for a marketing campaign.
Steps to Create a Work Breakdown Structure in 6 Steps
Here are six easy steps to create the work breakdown structure:
1. Establish the project’s scope, goals, and objectives
Your project goals and objectives establish the basic rules for establishing the scope of your project. Your project charter should include information on the scope of your project, team members, goals, and objectives.
2. Determine Project Phases and Control Accounts
The next level down is the project stages: divide the larger project scope statement into a set of phases that will take it from conception to completion. You can also construct control accounts, which are task categories for different job areas that you wish to keep track of.
3. Make a list of your project deliverables
What are the objectives of your project? List them all and make a note of the work required for those project deliverables to be declared successful (sub-deliverables, work packages, resources, participants, and so on).
4. Determine WBS Levels
According to the project management institute’s project management body of knowledge book (PMBOK), the WBS levels are what make a work breakdown structure a “hierarchical deconstruction of your project scope.” You must begin with the final project deliverable and consider all of the deliverables and work packages required to get there.
5. Develop Work Packages
Take your deliverables and divide them into all of the tasks as well as subtasks required to complete them. Put them in work bundles.
6. Select Task Owners
Assign the tasks to your project team now that they have been defined. Provide each team member with the work management tools, resources, and authority they require to complete the task.
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Frequently Asked Questions
It defines and arranges the necessary work, speeds up the construction of a schedule by assigning work estimates to specific portions of the WBS. It can be used to discover potential scope problems if it has an unclear branch.
Method to develop WBS- Top-Down Method
WBS is an element of the project planning process, and WBS, along with WBS Dictionary and Project Scope Statement, is one of the three components of the Scope baseline.
