Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a systematic way of defining the scope of a project. The process can be defined formally as breaking down (or decomposing) the project into natural elements for management and control purposes. Effectively, this means creating “more manageable chunks of work.” Carrying out the process of determining the WBS has immense value in helping to identify missing scope items and areas for further definition. Graphically, presentation is a pyramidal representation showing a hierarchical subdivision of the project, normally drawn similar to a family tree. The structure and content of the WBS should be agreed by at least the key team members. Drawing the WBS is often a consensus group process, involving the relevant parties who will carry out the project. The WBS diagram and its structural detail provide the basis for responsibilities to be identified, relating elements of work to each other and to the end product (deliverable). It also provides the basis for the organization of work for subsequent integration and the planning and control system. Above all, it is an excellent visual way to communicate the scope of the project. In breaking the project down to its component parts or products, any associated management services should be included to encompass the entire project. The elements of the lowest level of breakdown are generally called work packages. ... log in or subscribe to read full text