When it comes to planning a project, the work breakdown structure is one of the first things a project manager has to work on. Show
In this guide, we will explain what is a work breakdown structure (WBS), how to create one and give you access to WBS templates for several scenarios. You can edit and
export them as SVGs and images or share them with colleagues for collaboration. What is a Work Breakdown Structure?A work breakdown structure is a popular project management tool. It’s a diagram that helps break down large projects into smaller and more manageable parts which contain the project deliverables or outcomes that it will complete. It’s a deliverables-oriented breaking down of a project that divides project deliverables into
sub-deliverables and work packages which define the work, duration and costs for the tasks that need to be carried out. It has a hierarchical structure. Usually, it’s better to have three levels of decomposition in a WBS. In the case of a more complex project, you may add a fourth and a fifth level. Benefits of Work Breakdown Structures
Components of a Work Breakdown StructureFollowing are the elements of a work breakdown structure and the common terms that you may come across when creating one. Work packages: These are the lowest parts in a work breakdown structure. They define the work, duration, and costs for the tasks that need to be carried out to complete the deliverables. They shouldn’t be dependent on other work packages and should not exceed more than 10 days to complete. Deliverables: Outcomes of the activities or the products or measurable outcomes you’ll have created at the end of each milestone. Rules You Need to Stick by When Designing a WBSFollowing are the principles you need to adhere to when designing a work breakdown structure.
How to Create a Work Breakdown StructureFollowing we have listed the steps you need to take to create a work breakdown structure from scratch. Step 1: Get your team together to identify the deliverables and
sub-deliverables of the project. This would include the project managers and the subject matter experts. Step 2: Gather the necessary documents such as the project charter, project scope statement, and project scope management plan. Step 3: Identify the key
deliverables of the project. These should come at the second level of your WBS. Key deliverables will be essential to the completion of the project and they will be carried out by independent teams – meaning the same team won’t be working on completing another deliverable. Step 4: With the help of the subject matter experts, break the key deliverables into smaller parts of work (work packages) or in other words identify the work that is necessary to complete each
deliverable. Step 5: Create a WBS dictionary which is a document that includes the definition and the scope of the different elements in your work breakdown structure. The WBS dictionary would include information such as work package name and ID, name of the person it is assigned to, due date, estimated cost, etc. This will help the team understand work packages better. Step 6. You can create a WBS using different formats like text-based work breakdown structures, tabular structures, or more visual ones like flowcharts. Once it is complete, share it with the team. A Creately work breakdown structure can be quickly shared with the rest of your team with a secure share link – once shared, you can collaborate on it in real-time. Work Breakdown Structure TemplatesWork Breakdown Structure for ConstructionConstruction Work Breakdown Structure (Click on the template to edit it online)Work Breakdown Structure for Project ManagementWBS Project Management (Click on the template to edit it online)Work Breakdown Structure TemplateWork Breakdown Structure Template (Click on the template to edit it online)Work Breakdown Structure ExampleWBS Project Management Template (Click on the template to edit it online)Any Comments on Our Guide to Work Breakdown StructuresCreating a work breakdown structure can be a daunting task. Follow the steps in this guide and make use of the templates to simplify your WBS process. Got
anything to share? Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. What is work breakdown structure explain with the help of example?WBS is a hierarchical and incremental decomposition of the project into phases, deliverables, and work packages. It is a tree structure, which shows a subdivision of effort required to achieve an objective, for example, a program, project, and contract.
What is WBS format?What is a Work Breakdown Structure? A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visually rich, hierarchical representation of project scope and deliverables. To arrive at a work breakdown structure, project managers split the vast scope of a project into smaller outcomes, which are measurable and easier to understand.
What are the three formats of constructing a WBS?Compare and contrast the three formats of constructing a WBS: indented outline, organizational chart, and free format.
What is work breakdown structure explain its importance?A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a tool that can be used for projects, programs, and even initiatives to understand the work that has to be done to successfully produce a deliverable(s). The benefits of creating a WBS include: it defines and organizes the work required.
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