Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

1. Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

2. Work Breakdown Structure • A method to organize the project total scope of work in a hierarchical structure where each level represents an increased detail of the level above it. • The items at the lowest level in a WBS are referred to as Work Packages • Work packages may be further decomposed into work activities. • The WBS is used to help in project planning and control as well as to develop a common understanding of the scope of the project.

3. Work Breakdown Structure

6. Criteria for WBS ‡ The major components should indicate the deliverables of the project ‡ Lower level components should be measurable to allow scheduling, budgeting, and evaluating progress ‡ Breakdown must allow assignment of responsibility for work items

7. How to build a WBS • Begin with the Plan, focusing on Objectives and Deliverables • Break the main product(s) down into sub-products • Set the structure to match how you’ll manage the project • Lowest level not too detailed, not too large • Identify support activities • Check for completeness - is all the effort included? • Develop a coding structure if needed • Assign work package managers

8. Gantt chart • A Gantt chart is a type of bar chart, developed by Henry Gantt, that illustrates a project schedule. • Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project.

9. Gantt Chart / Bar Chart

10. Gantt chart Gantt chart can provide following optional information too, • Planned vs. actual view of the project • % completion of activities • Overall project progress/ status • Activities on critical path