The WBS is a method for getting a complex, multi-step project done. It’s a way to divide and conquer large projects so you can get things done faster and more efficiently. The WBS is a hierarchical tree structure that outlines your project and breaks it down into smaller, more manageable portions.
It is a chart of your projects deliverables. Large or complex deliverables are broken down into smaller components. The lowest level components for each deliverable are known as Work Packages.
Primary objective of the work breakdown structure is to collect, define and structure all necessary tasks to achieve the project goal. The work breakdown structure is developed at the beginning of the project planning phase by the project manager or PMO. The main purpose of the work breakdown structure could be summarized as followsiii:
Classification of the project´s work packages into checkable single tasks
Basis for planning the project process, schedule, cost and resources (budget, HR)
Central instrument for communication within the project (internal and external use)
Basis for target setting of work packages between project manager and the project Team
Benefits of the WBS
First of all, the primary benefit of a WBS is that all the needed steps of the project are identified in the beginning of the project. The WBS helps to communicate with stakeholders because it will be less likely to omit any work needed to deliver the desired project results.
Second, it allows for more accurate cost and schedule estimates. Having identified the key deliverables in the Project Scope Statement, it is possible to estimate costs and schedule. Breaking down each deliverable into smaller components enables the project manager to provide a more accurate and detailed schedule and cost estimate for the project.
Third, the WBS provides a basis for resource requests and task assignments. By breaking down each deliverable into distinct work packages, the project manager will be able to determine the skill sets needed to complete the work as well as the number of people needed for each task.
In Conclusion it is important to have a clear picture of the project's scope because it is critical for its success. A project management work breakdown structure is a key tool for bringing clarity to the project's scope and effectively managing your Project.
Some guidance how to create a WBS
Keeping in mind that the creation of the WBS is a unique piece of work because it has to consider the context, goal and stakeholders of a project individually, there is not one correct WBS. But some guidelines can help to work more effectively and efficiently. Specialised institutions give many expertise and guidelines:
Use a hierarchy structure to illustrate the relationship of deliverable for the scope of the project
Build the WBS collaboratively with the people who will work on the project deliverables
Avoid redundancy of tasks by defining deliverables only in one column of the WBS
Focus on the process flow of a project and keep in mind that there might be sequences of tasks
Sources:
https://www.pmi.org/learning/library/work-breakdown-structure-basics-5919 (29.04.2018) based on: Project Management Institute. (2013). A guide to the project management body of knowledge (PMBOK® guide) – Fifth edition, Newtown Square
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