Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The ability to think through a project and break it down to a “building blocks” level of detail is at the heart of PM capabilities. The effectiveness of virtually every aspect of planning, estimating, scheduling and the rest depend on how comprehensively the WBS represents the physical project.

Developing a WBS is, in simplest terms, a concentrated, methodical exercise in “working backwards”. It starts with a knowledgeable group (or person) identifying the set of key deliverables that comprise the completed project. For each deliverable, the group determines the major tasks necessary to produce each deliverable, then identifies the primary activities required for completion of each task. From this basic structure, additional data such as resources, man-hours, materials, duration, sequencing and much more can be extrapolated for planning and decision making.

Estimating

Scheduling

Roles and Responsibilities

VIPs