Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) is a structured model used in project management to describe and organize the jobs and duties of people and teams in an organization. The OBS helps make sure that everyone who is working on a project knows what their part is and how big it is.
Most of the time, the OBS is shown in a chart or picture that shows how a project is put together. The project manager or owner is at the top of the OBS, and the functional units, teams, or people working on the project are at the bottom. The OBS can also show the relationships between different parts of the organization and how they work together on the project.
The OBS helps outline each person’s and team’s job and responsibility in the project. This is important so that everyone knows what is expected of them. It also helps find places where work might cross or be done twice so that they can be fixed before they become problems. The OBS can also help project managers give jobs and roles, divide up resources, and keep track of the project’s general flow.
The OBS is a useful tool for project managers because it ensures that everyone understands the framework, tasks, and responsibilities of the project. It is also useful for speaking with team members, clients, and other project players to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals.
Key POints
– Department Hierarchy: An Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) is a map that depicts all of the departments or divisions within an organization.
– Organizational Layers: It is arranged in layers, beginning with the main departments at the top and working down to smaller teams or divisions within those departments.
– Visual Map: Think of it as a family tree for an organization, illustrating how various elements link and collaborate.
– Understanding Relationships: It assists in determining which teams or departments are in charge of certain tasks or projects.
– Clear Overview: Provides a clear picture of the structure of the organization and how each component contributes to the overall.
