Work breakdown structure (WBS) in project management is a method for completing a complex, multi-step project. It’s a way to divide and conquer large projects to get things done faster and more efficiently. In general, any WBS is composed of three levels—the project level, the task level, and the deliverable level.
The goal of a WBS is to make a large project more manageable. The process demands the details of the projects be broken down into attainable goals, and extensive task detailing is presented visually for a transparent communication system. Breaking it down into smaller chunks means work can be done simultaneously by different team members, leading to better team productivity and project management.
Before diving deeper into how WBS works in project management, let us understand what a work breakdown structure is and how it has helped project managers succeed in their projects.
What is the Work Breakdown Structure?
Work breakdown structure is a process to split the project insights into manageable parts, like the work package, where you explain every task in detail about every team member, information like project execution and completion date, and scheduling of deliverables to avoid delays.
WBS project management process has been a robust system to operate and attain successful deliverables in a project execution environment.
Project managers also ascertain the constraints and ambiguities in advance to steer clear of any setbacks and document that information in the Work breakdown structure. The structure also encompasses resource requirements and allocations, estimated costs, contract details, and technical references.
The structure starts with an extensive project or an overall objective and breaks it down into smaller, more manageable parts that you can reasonably evaluate and assign to teams. Rather than focusing on individual actions to efficiently bring the outcome, a WBS generally stresses deliverables or concrete, measurable milestones. These deliverables may also be called work packages, tasks, sub-tasks, or terminal elements.
A WBS can integrate scope, cost, and deliverables into a single tool by breaking these projects into smaller components. An excellent tool to organize the project details and allocate the work with every information in sight.
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Why is WBS a boon for project managers?
Project managers need to keep up with the pace of the project and manage resources, budgets, and teams. They constantly encounter challenges that can derail a project’s success. Handling everything by continuous verbal communication with each help associated with the project can become overwhelming.
However, multiple project management methods will help project managers reach their targets effectively. One of the best approaches for complex projects is the work breakdown structure.
The primary objective of WBS in project management is to break down complex projects into more manageable tasks and subtasks to ensure project success. In addition, it is a great way to ensure the entire team knows what is expected of them for the project and understands deliverables well.
Work breakdown structure is an excellent way to get any project off the ground and can often determine the success of a project. That’s why project managers need to learn how to master them. As a project manager, you want to ensure that all critical input and deliverables are gathered and transparently prioritized.
This project management method will ensure smooth transactions and timely delivery of work. It provides a roadmap for the different individuals and teams working on the project. They can focus on their tasks and deliverables and see how their contribution adds to the project.
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Benefits of using WBS project management
The work breakdown structure(WBS) is a chart that outlines a project’s deliverables and components: it’s used to clarify what the project needs to deliver. It’s one type of resource planning visualization that project managers commonly use.
Work breakdown structure also presents many benefits:
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Improved planning:
Complex projects are challenging to plan from commencement to execution till completion. WBS helps you create a visual presentation of data broken down into categories to understand the process and tasks quickly. It ensures no task is overlooked, estimates the cost, and examines resources needed to complete the project within time and budget.
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Easy tracking:
Project managers must keep track of their team and work to drive project success. WBS makes it manageable and gives a clear insight into who is doing what and maintaining the efficiency of the project. Visibility makes it easy to keep your team members and stakeholders up to date. It is best to define constraints to ensure the project goes over time or budget.
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Better communication:
Understanding the work becomes easy with every detail broken down into smaller parts and detailed task descriptions. Constant visibility can clear all the miscommunications and dependencies of work on one another. Having all the tasks, timelines, and budgets visualized in the WBS makes it easier for everyone to understand their responsibilities and see the project’s progress. As a result, the Work breakdown structure is ideal for complex projects that involve numerous steps and stakeholders.
Tools to create WBS for project management:
There are several tools and software available to help you create a WBS. Monday, ProjectManager, and Wrike offer templates and tools to guide you in the process. Additionally, software options like WBS, Schedule Pro, and Microsoft Viso are available if you need a more comprehensive approach.
A well-constructed work breakdown structure helps with important project management process groups and knowledge areas such as:
- Project Planning
- Project Scheduling
- Project Budgeting
- Risk Management
- Resource Management
- Task Management
- Team Management
In addition, a WBS helps avoid common project management glitches such as missed deadlines, scope creep, cost overruns, and resource scarcity. WBS can help project managers to manage those items and gain clarity into the details needed to accomplish every aspect of their project scope. It is best practice to use a WBS when managing large projects with many interdependent tasks or deliverables that are distributed across multiple people or locations.
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