4 4 Create WBS
Create WBS Explained
The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a critical tool in project management that breaks down the project scope into manageable parts. It provides a hierarchical decomposition of the project deliverables and tasks, ensuring clarity and organization throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Concepts
1. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the project team. It organizes and defines the total scope of the project, ensuring that all tasks and deliverables are accounted for.
Example: For a construction project, the WBS might start with the main deliverable (e.g., "New Office Building") and then break it down into major components (e.g., "Foundation," "Structural Frame," "Electrical Systems") and further into specific tasks (e.g., "Lay Foundation," "Erect Structural Frame," "Install Electrical Wiring").
2. Deliverable-Oriented
The WBS is deliverable-oriented, meaning it focuses on the tangible outcomes or deliverables of the project. This approach ensures that the project's scope is clearly defined and that all deliverables are identified and managed.
Example: In a software development project, the deliverables might include "User Interface Design," "Backend Development," and "Testing." Each of these deliverables is further broken down into specific tasks and sub-tasks.
3. Hierarchical Structure
The WBS is organized in a hierarchical structure, starting with the highest-level deliverables and progressively breaking them down into smaller, more detailed components. This structure helps in managing the project scope and ensuring that all tasks are accounted for.
Example: A marketing campaign project might have a WBS that starts with the main deliverable ("Marketing Campaign") and then breaks it down into phases ("Planning," "Execution," "Evaluation") and further into specific tasks ("Develop Campaign Plan," "Create Marketing Materials," "Measure Campaign Success").
4. Control Accounts
Control Accounts are management control points where scope, budget, and schedule are integrated and compared to the project's performance objectives. They are used to monitor and control project performance at various levels within the WBS.
Example: In a construction project, control accounts might be set up for each major component (e.g., "Foundation," "Structural Frame") to track the budget, schedule, and scope performance. This helps in identifying any deviations and taking corrective actions.
5. Work Packages
Work Packages are the lowest level of the WBS where the project team will assign work and estimate costs. They represent the smallest units of work that can be scheduled, costed, and monitored independently.
Example: In a software development project, a work package might be "Develop User Authentication Module." This work package includes all the tasks required to complete this specific module, such as coding, testing, and documentation.