A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a fundamental project management technique that is used to divide a project into smaller, more manageable components. It divides the job into smaller, hierarchical portions, making the project easier to plan, manage, and execute.
Let us see it through an example below. Assume you’ve been assigned with arranging a music event. The work breakdown structure (WBS) would assist you in breaking down the entire event into smaller, more doable parts:
Overall Project (Music Festival)
– Stage Setup
– Main Stage
– Secondary Stages
– Sound Systems
– Logistics
– Ticketing
– Vendor Management
– Security
– Parking
– Artist Management
– Headliners
– Supporting Acts
– Promotion
– Social Media Marketing
– Print Advertising
– Online Ads
Each of these main components can further broken down into smaller, more detailed tasks. For instance:
– Stage Setup
– Main Stage
– Design Stage Layout
– Acquire Stage Equipment
– Set Up Lighting
– Sound Check
– Secondary Stages
– Identify Stage Locations
– Arrange Equipment
– Coordinate Performances
Benefits
This method of breaking down the project is beneficial in various ways:
1. Clarity: It offers a clear grasp of the scope of the project and all of its components.
2. Organization: It aids in task and responsibility organization, making it simpler to distribute resources and time.
3. Estimation: It assists in evaluating costs, deadlines, and resource needs for each component.
4. Communication: It improves team communication by explicitly outlining what has to be done.
Depending on the project’s complexity, this hierarchical structure can descend multiple layers. Each level reflects a more specific work until it is easily controllable and actionable.
Remember that a well-structured work breakdown structure serves as the foundation for scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation throughout the project lifetime.
Usage
It is used in the preparing the project schedule
