Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) In Project Management
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool that takes a step by
step approach to complete large projects with several moving pieces. By breaking
down the project into smaller components, a WBS can integrate scope, cost and
deliverables into a single tool. While most WBS is deliverable based, they can also be
phase based. Read on to learn more about what a WBS can do for your business. (1)
Work Breakdown Structure
WBS is “a deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed
by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required
deliverables. It organizes and defines the total scope of the project. Each descending
level represents an increasingly detailed definition of the project work. The WBS is
decomposed into work packages. The deliverable orientation of the hierarchy
includes both internal and external deliverables.” (1)
Some commonly used terms used with WBS project management include:
Acceptance Criteria: Standards to be met to achieve customer or other stakeholder
requirements
Budget: Expenses associated with the project, which can be broken down by
deliverables or phases
Deliverables: The product, service or results created at various stages of the project.
For instance, in a website design project, a deliverable-based WBS would be
structured around deliverables such as URL, layout and written content
Milestones: Critical stages of the project identified in the WBS
Phases: The various stages of a project. For instance, in a website design project, a
phase based WBS would be structured around things like discovery, design and
launch, rather than specific deliverables
WBS: Work breakdown structure
(1)
Key Characteristics and Components of the WBS
