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Project Management PMBOK

Work Breakdown Structure

(WBS)
Dr Marc Conrad Office: D104 Park Square Marc.Conrad@beds.ac.uk

12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

Project Management Processes (Initiation) Project Management Plan Initiation Scope WBS (definition) Project Charter

Cost
(estimates, )

Time
(activity diagrams, )

Human Resources
(RACI matrix, )

Also to consider: Quality, Risk, Communication, Procurement, Integration (PMBOK knowledge areas)

The Work Breakdown Structure in the PMBOK

From the file ITO2008.ppt

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Used as a basis for a number of processes in particular to produce the subsidiary plans of the Project Management Plan. The WBS is a deliverable-oriented hierarchy of decomposed project components that organises and defines the total scope of the project. The WBS is a representation of the detailed project scope statement that specifies the work to be accomplished by the project. The elements comprising the WBS assist the stakeholders in viewing the end product of the project. The work at the lowest-level WBS component is estimated, scheduled, and tracked.

12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

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The Dictionary of the WBS
A WBS dictionary is a companion document to the WBS that describes each WBS element. For each WBS element, the WBS dictionary includes a statement of work, a list of associated activities, and a list of milestones. Other information can include the responsible organisation, start and end dates, resources required, an estimate of cost, charge number, contract information, quality requirements, and technical references. WBS elements should be cross-referenced as appropriate.

12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

Redecorate Room Prepare materials

Example WBS

Buy paint Buy a ladder Buy brushes/rollers Buy wallpaper remover Remove old wallpaper Remove detachable decorations Cover floor with old newspapers Cover electrical outlets/switches with tape Cover furniture with sheets

Prepare room

Paint the room Clean up the room

Dispose or store left over paint Clean brushes/rollers Dispose of old newspapers Remove covers
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12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

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Developing the WBS
Divide the total work of the project into major groups... ...then subdivide these groups into tasks... ...then divide these tasks into sub-tasks Subtasks should be small enough to permit adequate control and visibility But avoid excess bureaucracy!

12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

Product Breakdown Structure Redecorated Room

Focus on the product to be delivered and not on the work to do. Underpins PRINCE2 product-based approach.

Removed old wallpaper Clean room Cover for furniture Cover for electrical switches Newspapers to cover floor. Paint Paint on wall Leftover paint Management products Ladder Brushes and rollers
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12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

Scope Breakdown Structure (Max Widemans approach)

Geographically discrete components Time based phases and stages Intermediate or final major deliverables Discrete structural, process, system or device components Deliverable elements that can be associated with distinctive types of people-skills or resources After that, break down the work as in the WBS

Recommended Reading!
12.06.2013

http://www.maxwideman.com/musings/wbswar.htm Marc Conrad

University of Bedfordshire

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Scope Breakdown Structure

(Max Wideman redecorates a room)

Redecorated Room

Painted wall
Buy paint Buy ladder Buy brushes or rollers Paint room

Note the noun phrases on the top levels (scope breakdown) and the activities on the lower levels!

New curtains

Content Family

A clean room
Cover floor with old newspapers Cover electrical outlets/switches with tape Cover furniture with sheets

12.06.2013

Dinner in a restaurant

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Decision on colours
Marc Conrad of Bedfordshire University

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Summary
The WBS is used to define the activities that are then further managed. Consider alternatives:

Work Breakdown Structure Product Breakdown Structure Scope Breakdown Structure

Use Common Sense in Breakdown the Project.

12.06.2013

Marc Conrad University of Bedfordshire

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