A work breakdown structure, or 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.
What is WBS example?
Let's simplify things further: “A work breakdown structure defines all the things a project needs to accomplish, organized into multiple levels, and displayed graphically.” For example, here's a WBS example for an aircraft system: Developing an aircraft system is obviously a very complex endeavor.Mar 5, 2018
What are the 5 types of WBS?
- Deliverable-Based Work Breakdown Structure.
- Phase-Based Work Breakdown Structure.
- Define the Project Scope, Goals and Objectives.
- Identify Project Phases & Control Accounts.
- List Your Project Deliverables.
- Set WBS Levels.
- Create Work Packages.
- Choose Task Owners.
What are the 4 WBS levels?
- The top level. The top level of a WBS states the project's title and the final deliverable.
- Controls account. Next, list the controls account WBS level underneath the top level.
- Work packages.
- Activities.
How do you write a WBS?
- Include 100% of the work necessary to complete the goal.
- Don't account for any amount of work twice.
- Focus on outcomes, not actions.
- A work package should take no less than 8 hours and no more than 80 hours of effort.
- Include about three levels of detail.
What is WBS format?
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visually rich, hierarchical representation of project scope and deliverables. To arrive at a work breakdown structure, project managers split the vast scope of a project into smaller outcomes, which are measurable and easier to understand.
What are WBS items?
WBS item. An item of work (task, activity, phase) that is a unique part of a project's work breakdown structure (WBS). All WBS items together constitute 100% of a project's work. In Projects , all work associated with a project can be broken down both hierarchically and functionally at the WBS items selection step.
What are different types of WBS?
There are two main types of WBS: deliverable-based, and phase-based.
How many WBS levels are there?
WBS Levels: The WBS levels are what determines the hierarchy of a WBS element. Most work breakdown structures have 3 levels that represent the project's main deliverable, control accounts, project deliverables and work packages.