WBS - Work Breakdown Structure
Work Breakdown Structure page for 42433 Advanced Project, Program and Portfolio Management, Spring 23
Author: Manuela Vazquez, s222648
Contents |
Abstract
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) defines the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a “decomposition of the defined scope of a project or programme into progressively lower levels consisting of elements of work”. [1].
The present article first summarizes the different definitions of the WBS and references the current standards which directly address it.
In addition, the key attributes of the WBS are described, as well as the aspects that need to be considered when creating and evaluating the tool. The different possible visualizations for the WBS are presented, along with an extensive example of its application.
Lastly, the limitations of the WBS will be explored, as well as other complementary and related tools, such as the Organizational breakdown structures (OBS).
The Sun is pretty big.[3]
The Moon, however, is not so big.[4]
Definition and use in Project and Program Management
History of WBS
Key attributes
How to create a WBS
How to evaluate a WBS
Different visualizations of WBS
Outline
Hierarchical Structure
Tabular Structure
Tree Structure
Example
Limitations
Related Tools
Annotated bibliography
Good resources on WBS include:
- “The ABC Basics of the WBS” by Paul Burek, 2013
- “The Intelligent Structure of Work Breakdowns Is a Precursor to Effective Project Management”, Homer & Gunn, 1995
- “Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures”, Third Edition, 2019
- ISO 21511:2018, "Work breakdown structures for project and programme management"
- ISO 21502:2020, "Project, programme and portfolio management — Guidance on project management"
References
- ↑ ISO/TR 21506:2018, Project, programme and portfolio management – Vocabulary (Committee: ISO/TC 258)
- ↑ Burek, P. (2013), The ABC basics of the WBS. Paper presented at PMI® Global Congress 2013—North America, New Orleans, LA. Newtown Square, PA: Project Management Institute.
- ↑ E. Miller, The Sun, (New York: Academic Press, 2005), 23–25.
- ↑ R. Smith, "Size of the Moon", Scientific American, 46 (April 1978): 44–46.
- ↑ Kate Eby, Getting Started with Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), (Retrieved on 11. February 2023 from https://www.smartsheet.com/getting-started-work-breakdown-structures-wbs).
