Why Use WBS Work Breakdown Structure?

[Pages:3]Why Use WBS Work Breakdown Structure?

Why Use Work Breakdown Structure? Business proprietors and project managers employ the Work Breakdown Structure to build complicated projects more controllable. The WBS is basically designed to assist breaking a project into portions, which can efficiently be handled, anticipated, and controlled. A work breakdown structure is only one of the numerous project management tools that assist the project manager in project execution. WBS is widely being used for the following foremost reasons:

? Helps precise project estimation of cost, time, and risks ? Assists to allocate project tasks

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Why Use WBS Work Breakdown Structure?

? Illustrates the project control points and milestones

? Contribute in clarifying the scope of project to stakeholders

Creating Work Breakdown Structures

Initially, the project manager and the team establish the major project deliverables. Then, the accepted deliverables are decomposed by splitting the work consecutively to minor portions. How far to decompose? This has to be decided by the project manager, ensuring that neither there is too much decomposition that will not be helpful, neither not too less decomposition, which may not be manageable. Decomposition level differs with the kind of project, and the management styles, but certain practice may be implemented, like the scope and size of the minimum piece of work.

There may be a one week custom, where no work is divided any more minor than it may take one week for completion. Another option is the 8/80 ruling, where no work will consume lesser than 8 hours, or more than 80 hours to be finished. Establishing the size of work may become perfect with experience, and subsequently creation of WBS becomes simpler.

Work Breakdown Structure Format

The WBS work breakdown structure may be designed in several shapes, including list, or tables, but the popular design is using the graphic presentation, where the project elements are represented in a hierarchical tree diagram. The work breakdown diagram communicates the scope of project in easy terms. The diagram begins with a lone box or other symbol at the top that signifies the whole project. The project is subsequently divided into major distinct elements, with associated tasks, which are programmed under them.

Usually, the top constituents are the deliverables, while the minor level elements consist of the tasks that produce the deliverables. For example, a car is to be manufactured. While creating work breakdown structures, the major elements of the WBS work breakdown structure will consist of the engine, interior, controls, and the chassis. The engine is decomposed into smaller elements like cylinders, cam shaft, alternator, and piston. The level of decomposition will be influenced by the type and size of the top deliverable element. The WBS chart will represent the total project scope.

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Why Use WBS Work Breakdown Structure? Also read:

- Advantages and Disadvantages of WBS - Importance of WBS and WBS Structure Forming

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