The most helpful WBS plans contain these components:
- Identification of which organization, department, or individual is responsible for each specific work piece
- The scheduled start and end dates
- Required resources
- Estimated cost of the project
- Charge numbers
- Contract details, requirements, and milestones
- Protocol for quality control, requirements, and standards
- Technical information and resources needed to achieve desired results
- Identification of which organization, department, or individual is responsible for each specific work piece.
- The scheduled start and end dates.
- Required resources.
- Estimated cost of the project.
- Charge numbers.
- Contract details, requirements, and milestones.
What should the WBS focus on?
Accordingly, the WBS must focus on the work to be accomplished to complete the project. At each level the WBS elements should normally be specific deliverables. Level “0” is the end product of the project.
What are the rules for developing a WBS?
RULES FOR DEVELOPING A WBS Uniqueness -An element of work is associated with one and only one higher level element. Care must be exercised in this regard to avoid duplication of work. Summative – The work content of an element is the sum of the work content of all its immediately subordinate elements.
What is a work package in a WBS?
Each work package in a WBS is a “deliverable” and not an “action.” It could also be a product or an artifact such as a design document. Hence, you need to use nouns instead of verbs, while defining work packages. For beginners, this could take time to get used to.
How do you write a WBS project?
1. The top level The top level of a WBS states the project's title and the final deliverable. You can start creating your WBS with this section by stating the overall scope of the project. Use clear language to identify what the completed project should look like so everyone on your team understands what goal they are working toward.
What is not included in a WBS?
The WBS does not contain activities, tasks or milestones to be achieved and it doesn't contain any timing dependencies for performing activities. All of this important information is part of the Project Schedule and the Project Schedule is based on the WBS.
What is the most important thing in the WBS?
The main purpose of a WBS is to reduce complicated activities to a collection of tasks. This is important for the project manager because she can oversee the tasks more effectively than the complex activities. Tasks must be measurable and independent, with clearly defined limits.
What is the 100% rule in WBS?
This rule states that the WBS includes 100% of the work defined by the project scope and captures ALL deliverables—internal, external and interim—in terms of work to be completed, including project management.
What are the 5 WBS levels?
The phase-based WBS displays the final deliverable on top, with the WBS levels below showing the five phases of a project (initiation, planning, execution, control and closeout). Just as in the deliverable-based WBS, the project phases are divided into project deliverables and work packages.
What is the importance of a WBS?
The benefits of creating a WBS include: it defines and organizes the work required. it facilitates the quick development of a schedule by allocating effort estimates to specific sections of the WBS. it can be used to identify potential scope risks if it has a branch that is not well defined.
How WBS is important in a project?
WBS helps to allocate tasks. When a project is broken down into manageable tasks or packages, it becomes a lot easier to assign these to the appropriate individual. This helps your team plan around other work that needs to be completed outside of the project in question. WBS improves communication.
What is the primary purpose of the WBS?
The primary purpose of the WBS is too plan the schedule for the project. Each task duration is planned in conjunction with its required predecessors and following tasks. The WBS then provides an overall plan so that the project manager can see how the project should progress and manage the workflow appropriately.
What are the important features that explain about the types of WBS?
An WBS should exhibit the following attributes to maximize its effectiveness: Defined: Your WBS should be easily understood by project participants and stakeholders. Easily estimated: Task durations, cost, and required resources can be included to estimate the cost and time necessary to complete the project.
What is a WBS?
Work breakdown structure (WBS): what it is and how to use it. A work breakdown structure is a visual breakdown of a project that’s organized into multiple levels. In basic terms, it’s a way to visualize required deliverables in a more digestible way. Since a work breakdown structure is displayed visually, it can be created using a combination ...
Why should you include additional details in WBS?
Since your WBS won’t have much space for a thorough description, you can include additional details in your WBS dictionary. The objective of the task description is for team members to easily recognize what the task is in the shortest way possible. So don’t get too caught up in the level of detail needed just yet.
What is the work breakdown structure in project management?
Project managers use work breakdown structures to help teams visualize projects and dependency-related deliverables .
What is a WBS in project management?
First things first, let’s break down a work breakdown structure (WBS). Project managers use work breakdown structures to help teams visualize projects and dependency-related deliverables .
How are Kanban boards similar to timelines?
Kanban boards are similar to timelines but differ in the way they’re visually organized. Instead of being organized in a horizontal line, they’re designed to look like boards as opposed to connecting tasks to timelines. Kanban software can help with the following to keep your projects on track:
What is level 2 of WBS?
Level two of your WBS will include subtasks, otherwise known as dependencies, of the parent task.
What is the first level of a work breakdown structure?
The first level of a work breakdown structure is the most simplified form of the project since it contains the parent task. This is usually the same as the project objective .
Why is WBS prepared?
It is used to guide the project and gives a clear view of the project structure.
What is a WBS?
WBS includes all internal, external and in terms (in terms means works to be completed including the project management. Its main principle is for the decomposition, development, and evaluation of the WBS. After completion of the project, the Work breakdown structure acts as an asset to the organization.
What is WBS entry?
The entries which are done within the phases are called the WBS entry, where they are sub-categorized into sub-levels. After the creation of the phase, WBS entries are created.
What is WBS in project management?
WBS is the foundation component in project management . The Activity WBS comes from the origin of the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK) which used as a hierarchical decomposition of the subtask work executed in the project. The first step to plan is to break down the project into simpler elements to manage the task.
What is the color of WBS?
So if one predecessor activity is not finished, the supporting activities will be affected and show in red color , where the critical points are shown in red color in the graph on the right side.
What is the lowest level of WBS?
Continuing with WBS entry, then created the activities which are used to perform the task to complete the bigger one. The lowest level of It is called the activity. All the activities are assigned to an individual to complete the task.
Why use a WBS?
A project manager may use a WBS to manage, estimate, coordinate and monitor the status of a project. An effective work breakdown structure provides an overview of a project by stating the overall goal and breaking large tasks into smaller or more manageable deliverables. This can increase productivity and help teams track their success.
What is the work package level in WBS?
The work packages level of a WBS appears underneath the controls account level. This level breaks the key deliverables down into smaller, more manageable tasks. In order to be successful at the controls account level, teams need to first accomplish the tasks presented in the work packages level.
What are the 4 WBS levels?
To create an effective WBS, it's important to understand each of the four WBS levels. Project managers use these levels to prioritize and organize tasks based on what items need to be completed first to complete the final project. The four WBS levels you can implement in your organization are:
Why do companies use work breakdown structure?
Many companies use a work breakdown structure (WBS) for each of their projects to keep track of their progress and ensure they achieve their goals. As a project manager, it's essential to provide your team with clear instructions, develop an accurate timeline and assign tasks in an orderly fashion. If you're in charge of managing projects, then learning how to use each of the WBS levels to develop an organized action plan may interest you.
Why do project managers use WBS?
Many project managers choose to use a WBS because it provides a clear project overview and guidelines for their team, but using a WBS can provide several additional benefits . Implementing a WBS can help you:
What is the top level of a WBS?
The top level of a WBS states the project's title and the final deliverable. You can start creating your WBS with this section by stating the overall scope of the project. Use clear language to identify what the completed project should look like so everyone on your team understands what goal they are working toward. The top level of a WBS can be a great tool to communicate your customer's expectations about the final project .
What is a work breakdown?
A work breakdown structure provides the foundation and guidelines for a successful project. It itemizes unique tasks, milestones and key elements of a project by organizing them in a hierarchical structure to illustrate which items need to be completed first. Project managers can also use a WBS to assign different tasks and phases of the project life cycle to each team member.
What are the rules for developing a WBS?
RULES FOR DEVELOPING A WBS. Uniqueness -An element of work is associated with one and only one higher level element. Care must be exercised in this regard to avoid duplication of work. Summative – The work content of an element is the sum of the work content of all its immediately subordinate elements.
What is the purpose of WBS?
The primary purpose of the WBS is to aid the Project Manager (PM) in managing the project. Its concept is as simple as the answer to the question, “How do you eat an elephant?” Answer: “One bite at a time!” The WBS is a tool for dividing the elephant up into bite-size pieces. It looks similar to a family tree, with each generation being called a level. The top level is usually designated “level 0,” the next one down “level l,” etc.
What is the difference between a WBS and a structured BOM?
While they may appear similar, there are important distinctions. A WBS Portrays the work to be done. The organization chart portrays the relationships between people who may be responsible for performing the work of a project. The structured BOM Portrays the objects that will be produced when the work is done. Three different functions, three different tools.
Why is WBS important?
While the WBS is an essential element to provide stability of a project, it must be recognized that projects are used to manage change. Change in the project is usually inevitable as learning happens during the life of the project. Consideration should be given in developing the WBS as to how changed requirements and work content will be incorporated into the approved WBS. Change control is essential. The anomaly of projects is that, while they are the means for instituting change, change itself creates many of the problems on projects.
What is level 0 in WBS?
At each level the WBS elements should normally be specific deliverables. Level “0” is the end product of the project. Level “l” may be components of the end product but may also be a document that portrays the results, conclusions or recommendations of a phase of the project.
What are the mechanical aspects of developing a WBS?
Developing the WBS. The mechanical aspects of developing a WBS are quite simple. Napkins or the backs of envelopes are still useful devices. Additional discipline is added by introducing a hierarchical concept, permitting attention to be focused on different levels of detail as the process proceeds.
What is a BOM in manufacturing?
It can be a simple, unstructured “materials takeoff” or “engineering BOM,” i.e., just a simple list of parts that must be assembled. Alternatively, it maybe useful to prepare a simplified “manufacturing BOM” that, through its structure, illustrates how you plan to assemble the pieces of the product. This can be developed in a top-down or bottom-up manner, or a combination of the two.
What is a WBS?
The official Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) definition of a WBS Dictionary is: A document that provides detailed deliverable, activity, and scheduling information about each component in the work breakdown structure.
What is a WBS dictionary?
A WBS Dictionary is a supporting document to the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). It provides supporting data about project tasks in the WBS. This information can be any type and format, ranging from textual information to numerical data to milestone dates.
What is WBS in PMBOK?
According to the PMBOK, the WBS is a deliverable -oriented subdivision of the project, rather than a task list . However, the two are often one and the same in practice. In any case, the project tasks which correspond to a WBS element can be included in the WBS dictionary. This is very handy.
What is a good description of work?
Description of Work. Sometimes a good description of the work provides a strong foundation for the task and is a great communication tool which allows results to be compared to expectations. It can also be communicated to anyone who need to know what they need to do at a given time. Assumptions and Constraints.
Can you create your own quality standards?
Either from the International Standards Organization (ISO), or country-specific standards organizations, or industry-specific standards organizations. If not, you can create your own quality standards for your project, but there is no excuse to not having written quality standards for any WBS element.
Is WBS a spreadsheet?
There is no prescribed format for the WBS Dictionary, but it usually takes the form of a text document. However, a spread sheet style itemization of costs, or entry into a project management software product is equally valid.
What is a WBS?
What exactly is a WBS? The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) “A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide)” defines a WBS as a “hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables”. Note the use of the terms scope, work, and deliverable. PMBOK defines scope as “the sum of the products, services, and results to be provided as a project”. Work, of course, is effort. However, in the context of a WBS the PMI’s “Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures” says “work refers to work products or deliverables that are the result of effort and not the effort itself”.
What is a WBS in Microsoft Project?
Some authors of books on Microsoft Project say the WBS is “an indented list of deliverables and tasks”. PMI says deliverables, yes, but tasks, no. This distinction is important because when you present the WBS you may think of yourself as presenting a scale model of say; a building to be constructed. You are not displaying a diorama of the building in the process of construction with three-dimensional figures of construction workers and equipment. The WBS tells you what the end product or service looks like – nothing more – nothing less. So do not confuse your WBS presentation by the addition of associated tasks or activities. They come later in the scheduling process.
What is WBS in contract?
The WBS is an implicit contract, so it is important to clearly describe the WBS and nothing more or nothing less. The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the required scope to create the deliverables. Perhaps, the WBS should be thought of in terms as a ‘deliverable’ breakdown structure.
What is a deliverable in PMBOK?
A deliverable, according to PMBOK is “any unique and verifiable product, result, or capability to perform a service that is required to be produced to complete a process, phase, or project ”. So a deliverable is the end product or service provided to the customer. The Practice Standard takes all these definitions and terms into consideration when it states that “In a sense, the WBS can be thought of as a ‘deliverable’ breakdown structure”.
What is a work package in PMBOK?
Now enters the concept of the “work package” that seems to contradict the quotes stated above. The PMBOK Guide defines work package as “the work define d at the lowest level of the work breakdown structure for which cost and duration can be estimated and managed”. Taking into consideration the above quotes, the work package on the WBS is the deliverable at such a level of decomposition that the associated tasks, including duration estimates and resource assignments, may be defined for that decomposed deliverable.
What is the practice standard for work packages?
The Practice Standard says work packages should “clearly support the identification of the tasks that must be performed in order to deliver the work package”. Thus, the WBS does not describe work, however, it “supports the definition of all work required to achieve an end objective or deliverable (s)”. Again, the WBS “defines the hierarchy of deliverables”. That’s it!
What is practice standard?
The Practice Standard realizes that team members may become confused, in particular, when it comes to defining work packages. So if your team members are identifying “all of the deliverables (or work packages) involved in the project”, and they propose activities, the Practice Standard tells you how to address this issue. “If participants propose activities [for work packages], then the associated deliverables, but not the activities, should be included (i.e. translate suggested activities into associated deliverables)”.
How detailed should your WBS be?
There’s no general rule, but there are a two questions you can ask yourself to see whether you’ve gone down the rabbit hole deep enough:
How to use WBS?
You use it to plan your project. This includes defining the action steps, estimating effort and putting together a team that will do the work for you. I also suggest making a printout of the WBS (using large paper) and pin it to your wall. This way you easily refer back to it when you need to check something.
What tool should you use for creating a WBS?
Creating a WBS yourself can be challenging if your project is complex and has lots of deliverables. Pick a tool which can handle hierarchical diagrams well, otherwise you’ll be pulling out your hair soon. For this article I have evaluated the following tools:
What else do you want to know?
I wanted to make the concept of work breakdown structures as clear as possible . Do you now feel you have a good understanding of it? Then I’d love to hear your feedback in a comment below. You can also ask me any further questions you may have.
What is a WBS project?
A WBS helps to identify necessary project work. It’s a different way to look at your project, much like a puzzle. You try to find all the pieces that make up the big picture, and only when you’ve gathered all pieces will the puzzle be complete. Or, applied to project management: only when you have a complete overview of all necessary work will you ...
How does WBS work?
The way a WBS works is you break down your project into smaller, manageable chunks. This is where the term is coming from. The project work is shown in a hierarchical, multi level visual structure.
What is a WBS?
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a graphical chart which shows all the parts a project has to deliver in order to meet the project goal. It is used to identify all project deliverables and necessary activities. A deliverable basically is the end result or product of a task. An example would be the finished design model for a ship.
