Work breakdown structure: get all your questions answered now!

A work breakdown structure (WBS) enables breaking the project into more approachable chunks within a single tool, forming a foundation for project management. This blog attempts to simplify understanding a work breakdown structure, its types, purpose, key characteristics, role during project management, and how you can make one.

What is a work breakdown structure?

A work breakdown structure is a hierarchical visual tool that breaks a project into smaller or more manageable tasks. A comprehensive construction management software, such as Inncircles, makes it easily executable.

What are the types of work breakdown structures?

WBS has two types -

1. Deliverable-based
2. Phase-based

Let’s understand them better.

1. Deliverable-based work breakdown structure: It clearly distinguishes the relationship between the project deliverables, such as products, services, or results, and the scope.
2. Phase-based work breakdown structure: It displays the five project phases in the WBS levels below the final deliverable.

What is the work breakdown structures’ purpose?

Here is how a work breakdown structure serves the project management teams -

1. Defines and organizes the project scope
2. Assigns responsibilities and ensures efficient resource allocation
3. Helps monitor the project
4. Avoids ambiguities

What are the work breakdown structures’ key characteristics?

Here are two prominent characteristics of a work breakdown structure -

1. The 100% rule: It signifies how a WBS incorporates all aspects of the project and the person or team responsible for that component. The 100% rule breaks down each level below into further detail. The subsequent levels then deconstruct the elements further.
2. Leveled structure: The level 1 shows the entire project. A description or overview of the project at the top level will enhance clarity.

What is the role of a work breakdown structure in project management?

Here’s why a work breakdown structure is considered a helpful project management tool -

1. It simplifies the project scope.
2. It facilitates team coordination with a roadmap while ensuring each member fulfills their specific tasks.
3. It is a great tool for tracking project progress, identifying key milestones, and allocating budget.

How can you make a work breakdown structure?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process for making a work breakdown structure -

Step 1: Assess project deliverables content such as the scope statement, and the project management plan.

Step 2: Map the deliverables with the responsible team members.

Step 3: Define the level 1 elements and verify according to the 100% rule.

Step 4: Break down the level-1 deliverables into lower-level ones. This technique is called decomposition.

Step 5: After decomposing the work packages into activities, export the WBS for further scheduling and project tracking.

With InnPMIS, you can tailor your WBS to meet the unique needs of your projects and convert complex projects into easily manageable tasks. You can also set up sequential or parallel approval workflows, minimizing bottlenecks and maintaining compliance with project and regulatory standards.

The final words

A work breakdown structure provides a clear roadmap for the team by deconstructing large projects into smaller tasks. This enables better resource allocation, cost estimation, and progress tracking, ultimately leading to project success.

Get real-time insights to assess safety, quality, and progress with Inncircles. Get your projects to a strong start now.