A typical method for increasing productivity is to divide the work into smaller tasks to make it more manageable and approachable. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), one of the most crucial project management documents, is the tool for projects that makes use of this technique. It does so on its own, integrating scope, cost, and schedule baselines to guarantee project plans are in sync.
The Work Breakdown Structure is described as a “deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the project team” in the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) published by the Project Management Institute (PMI). WBS comes in two flavors: deliverable-based and phase-based. The most common and preferred approach is the Deliverable-Based approach. The Elements identified in the first Level of the WBS are the primary distinction between the two approaches.
A deliverable-based work breakdown structure makes it clear how the project’s deliverables are related to one another (i e. , products, services or results) and the scope (i. e. , work to be executed). Figure 1 illustrates a deliverable-based WBS for constructing a home. Figure 2 illustrates a phase-based work breakdown structure for the same project.
The Level 1 of a Phase-Based WBS in Figure 2 has five elements. Each of these Elements are typical phases of a project. The distinct deliverables in each phase are the Level 2 Elements. The lower Level Elements are all deliverables, regardless of the type of WBS. Notice that Elements in different Legs have the same name. When using a phase-based work breakdown structure, each Level 1 Element’s specific work must be separated from work associated with other elements. Each element’s work is described in a WBS Dictionary.
What are the benefits of using a WBS?
Many project managers use a WBS because it gives their team a clear project overview and guidelines, but there are several other advantages to using a WBS. Implementing a WBS can help you:
What is a work breakdown structure?
A work breakdown structure provides the framework and instructions for a project’s success. It lists special tasks, milestones, and important project components by arranging them in a hierarchical structure to show which ones must be finished first. A WBS is a tool that project managers can use to assign various tasks and stages of the project life cycle to each team member.
A WBS can be used by a project manager to manage, estimate, plan, and keep track of the progress of a project. The overall objective of a project is stated in an effective work breakdown structure, which then divides large tasks into smaller, more manageable deliverables. This can increase productivity and help teams track their success.
What are the 4 WBS levels?
Understanding each of the four WBS levels is crucial for creating an effective WBS. Based on what needs to be done first to finish the project, project managers use these levels to prioritize and arrange tasks. The four WBS levels that your company can use are as follows:
1. The top level
The project title and the final deliverable are listed at the top level of a WBS. Declaring the overall scope of the project in this section will allow you to begin creating your WBS. Use precise language to describe the project’s intended outcome so that everyone on your team is aware of the end goal. An excellent tool for communicating your customers’ expectations for the finished project is the top level of a WBS.
For instance, if you are the project manager for a software development project, the top level of your WBS might just list the project name you are working on, such as an integrated library management system or an aircraft software system.
2. Controls account
The controls account WBS level should then be listed after the top level. The project’s major phases and important deliverables are described at the controls account level. In order to meet the expectations of the client, it may also include the significant components, systems, or features that must be delivered in the finished product.
For instance, if you are the project manager for a software development project, a database system, a search feature, and a chat feature might be some of the primary components you list at the controls account level of your WBS. This can help you make sure your finished project satisfies all the requirements and increase client satisfaction.
3. Work packages
A WBS’s work packages level is displayed below the controls account level. The key deliverables are divided into smaller, more manageable tasks at this level. Teams must first complete the tasks outlined in the work packages level in order to be successful at the controls account level.
For instance, your team may need to first develop the software application, servers, and data structure at the work packages level in order to finish the database system at the controls account level. For each distinct task listed at the control account level, you can create a new work package to group items together and aid in team organization.
4. Activities
The final WBS level is the activities level. Before a team can work on the tasks listed in the work packages level, all of the prerequisite tasks must be finished. For instance, your team may need to configure and install database software or integrate the database server with other network components in order to complete developing the software application at the work packages level. The smallest tasks to complete are those listed under the activities level. To increase productivity, you can give each task to a different team member.
Tips to develop a WBS
Here are some pointers to assist you in creating a WBS for your business:
Five-Level Work Breakdown Structure
FAQ
What are the 4 WBS levels?
- The top level. The project’s name and the final deliverable are listed at the top level of a WBS.
- Controls account. The controls account WBS level should then be listed after the top level.
- Work packages. …
- Activities.
What is the proper level of detail for a WBS?
100 units of work are listed as the total scope of a project to design and construct a custom bicycle at WBS Level 1. The 100 units are split into seven elements at WBS Level 2. It is not an estimate of task duration; the number of units assigned to each element of work may be based on effort or cost.
What is the least level of WBS?
Typically, a WBS should have three levels of detail. The scope of your project and the level of detail in your WBS are about right if the majority of branches have three levels or less of subdivided detail.
