WBS stands for work breakdown structure. It is a hierarchal, graphical representation of the entire scope of a project. If the tasks or activities are not represented in the work breakdown structure, they are not part of the project. The WBS is an important tool for project management. It is the basis for planning executing and controlling a project. The WBS makes it possible to break the project into manageable pieces. Many project management texts will call the smallest work packages in the hierarchy “tasks”. The PMI uses the word activities. Many inexperienced project managers will try to replace the WBS with a simple list of tasks. This will not have the same benefits of the WBS, some activities might be missed and slip through the cracks. The following are the benefits of the WBS.
What are the benefits of using the WBS?
-Work doesn’t slip through the cracks.
-Helps project team to see the big picture, and where their portions of the project fit in.
-Opens channels of communication among team members and with stakeholders.
-Eliminates factors that could cause change.
-Better quality.
-Easier management.
-Is the basis for cost, resource, and time estimates.
-Can be the proof for the cost and time of the project.
-Helps to get the sign-off from the team.
-Let’s everyone see the whole project.
How do you create the WBS?
-Start with the deliverables.
-Break down each deliverable into control accounts.
-The control accounts are the places where we will aggregate the cost and schedule estimates.
-Break the control accounts down into work packages.
-Continue breaking down the work packages until the activities are between 8 and 80 hours (rule of thumb for activity size).
What is a WBS dictionary?
The WBS usually has one to three words that describe the deliverables, the control accounts, the work packages and activities. The WBS dictionary gives the detailed description to each item in the WBS. It is a mechanical means to control scope creep. The WBS dictionary describes the work so that it continues to be the same throughout the project.
The work breakdown structures is a key feature of the PMP exam. Most test takers that fail the test, fail sections that have to do with the WBS because it is so integral to the project, but so few project managers use them. Become very familiar with the WBS with PMP Exam Prep, Sixth Edition: Rita’s Course in a Book for Passing the PMP Exam pages 159-167. There is an indepth discussion, examples, and exercises that will really prepare you right for the WBS section of the PMP exam.
Elroy King
If you have any questions about project management or the PMP exam, leave them for me in a comment, and I will try to answer your questions.
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