Project Management: What is a Work Breakdown Structure?

Summary

In this engaging whiteboard session, Jennifer Whitt, director of projectmanager.com, clarifies the concept of a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as defined by the PMBOK Guide. She explains WBS as a hierarchical decomposition of project work aimed at organizing and defining total project scope through deliverables. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of identifying deliverables from the project's outset to guide teams effectively. Through graphical representation, she illustrates how to break down phases and deliverables into manageable work packages, reinforcing that a well-structured WBS can enhance clarity and vision for project objectives.

Takeaways

• 📊 A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the work required to complete a project.
• 📝 The purpose of a WBS is to organize and define the total scope of the project, focusing on deliverables.
• 💡 It's crucial to identify deliverables early on to maintain focus on project objectives.
• 🔍 A clear definition of terms is essential for effective project management and understanding of the WBS.
• 🎯 The WBS helps clarify the relationship between project phases, deliverables, and work packages.
• 📅 WBS can include phases and sub-projects, allowing for a more structured approach to project execution.
• 🔗 Each deliverable can be broken down further into work packages, which are tasks executed by team members.
• 🌐 The PMBOK guide serves as a reliable resource for understanding project management concepts, including WBS.
• 📈 Visual representations of the WBS can enhance team understanding and communication regarding project scope.
• 🛠️ Projectmanager.com offers tools to help teams create and manage their work breakdown structures effectively.

Q & A

What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)?

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work required to accomplish project objectives and create the necessary deliverables.

Why is it important to create a WBS from the beginning of a project?

Creating a WBS at the beginning helps clarify the project's deliverables and organizes the total scope, ensuring that the team understands the project objectives.

How does a WBS help project teams?

A WBS helps project teams by visually representing the project scope, making it easier to understand the relationship between tasks and the overall objectives, thus enhancing communication and focus.

What does PMI say about the WBS in the PMBOK guide?

According to the PMBOK guide by PMI, a WBS is a hierarchical decomposition that organizes and defines the total scope of the project, focusing on the deliverables to be produced.

What is the graphical representation of a WBS?

A WBS can be represented graphically as a hierarchy, showing phases, deliverables, sub-projects, and work packages, which collectively illustrate the structure of the project.

What are work packages in the context of a WBS?

Work packages are the smallest units of work in a WBS that team members complete to produce deliverables. They represent the tasks necessary to achieve project goals.

Can a WBS include sub-projects?

Yes, a WBS can include sub-projects, allowing for further breakdown of work into manageable components and enhancing clarity and organization.

What should teams focus on when developing a WBS?

Teams should focus on identifying the deliverables and breaking down the work required to produce those deliverables, maintaining clarity on project objectives throughout the process.

How does the WBS contribute to project management success?

The WBS contributes to project management success by providing a clear structure for planning, executing, and monitoring project activities, ensuring alignment with the project goals.

What resources can be utilized for creating a WBS?

Project managers can use various resources, including software tools, project management guides like the PMBOK, and templates to help decompose work effectively in a WBS.