Work breakdown structure

1. Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS)
Presented by
M Indhu Sathish
M.Com. Finance & Systems
KH.AH.P2COM22007

2. WBS
Meaning
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of a project into
smaller and more manageable components. It is a tree diagram that organizes the
work into work packages, which are the smallest units of work that can be
independently planned and executed.
Definition
The Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) defines the WBS as a
"deliverable oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the
project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required
deliverables."

3. Characteristics of WBS
Deliverable or
Phase Based
Hierarchical
Structure
Contains 100%
of the Scope of
Work
Communicates
the Scope of
Work to Project
Stakeholders
View Can Be
Graphic,
Tabular, or List
Form
Three Levels
Used to Identify
Elements and
Work Packages

4. Types of WBS

5. Types of WBS
• Deliverable-Based Work Breakdown structure
If the WBS is primarily based on the deliverables of the project, then the structure is
deliverable oriented. The main units will consist of the main groups of deliverables,
such as individual services offered, and products delivered. This type of WBS is very
useful to project manager who wants to see the total scope of a project and how
each deliverable is related. By using this deliverable-based approach, managers can
make more accurate resource and budget estimations because they can see all the
project's levels.
• Phase-Based Work Breakdown Structure
Unlike the deliverable-based approach which focuses on the end result of the
project, this phase-based structure focuses on the individual project phases and
organising all activities in a chronological way. The project phases typically include
the planning, execution, control and closeout. This way of defining a WBS, like steps
that need to be taken to accomplish a goal, has the benefit of creating a more
coherent project scope.

6. Types of WBS
• Resource-Based Work Breakdown Structure
This structure is based on the type of resource or the business function of the resource.
A resource can be a facility, a type of software used in the project, or equipment. Staffing
is also part of the resource group.
• Risk-Based Work Breakdown Structure
This type of structure is organized by the type of risk the project may encounter during
its execution. The main groups of risks may include categories such as people,
environment and equipment. Furthermore, the risks are colour-coded according to their
impact. One popular risk management tool is the Risk Breakdown Structure
• Responsibility-Based Work Breakdown Structure
The responsibility-based structure is based on the organization units. Therefore, it
organises all the activities by the teams or units that work on the project. Similarly, the
structure can be based on the broader company organization, including the project
sponsor, the control board and stakeholders.

7. Levels of WBS
Level 1: Project
The top level of the WBS is the project itself. This is the overall goal of the project, and it
should be clearly defined and measurable.
Level 2: Deliverables
The second level of the WBS is the deliverables. These are the specific products or
services that will be produced as a result of the project. Deliverables should be specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
Level 3: Work packages
The third level of the WBS is the work packages. These are the smallest units of work
that can be independently planned and executed. Work packages should be specific,
measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

8. Example of WBS

9. Types of WBS Charts

10. WBS Rules
• 100% rule
The WBS must include 100% of the work required to complete the project, and no more
than 100%. This means that all of the tasks and deliverables that need to be completed
must be included in the WBS, and that no tasks or deliverables should be included twice.
• Levels
The WBS is typically structured in a hierarchical manner, with the overall project goal at
the top and the work packages at the bottom. The levels of the WBS represent the
different levels of decomposition of the project.
• Outcomes, no actions
The WBS should focus on the outcomes that need to be produced, not the specific
actions that need to be taken. This will help to ensure that the WBS is focused on the
desired result. For example, instead of including a task called "Write the project plan",
the WBS should include a task called "Project plan".
• 8/80 rule
Each work package should be small enough to be manageable and measurable, but
large enough to be meaningful. Work packages are typically defined as tasks that can be
completed within 8 to 80 hours

11. WBS Softwares

12. Thank You