How to develop a work breakdown structure (WBS)

Mar 11

You are not alone! The WBS process is a component of all three, let’s review its key elements and purpose.

WBS includes subdividing project deliverables and project work into more manageable components.

Inputs

Project management plan (scope management section).
Project documents (project scope statement, requirements document).
Enterprise environmental factors (industry specific WBS standards).
Organizational process assets (policies, procedures, previous project files).
Tool & Techniques
- Expert Judgment.
- Decomposition – dividing and subdividing project scope and deliverables into smaller parts.
Outputs

Use of Decomposition Method to Create an Appropriate WBS

Structure WBS as an outline, an organizational chart, or other methods that identifies a hierarchical breakdown.

Define the outline of the entire project.
Identify the main deliverables below the finished project.
Divide each deliverable into sub-tasks until the last level can be measurable (in terms of budget and resources).
Follow 100% rule – the sum of the “child tasks” must equal to the work the “parent tasks”.
Use exclusive units and define by deliverables.

Example 100% rule