WBS benefits | VPAF Project Management Office (2024)

FAQs

What are the advantages of using WBS in project management? ›

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool that takes a step-by-step approach to complete large projects with several moving pieces. By breaking down the project into smaller components, a WBS can integrate scope, cost and deliverables into a single tool.

A PMO ensures that consistent project management processes, procedures and methodologies are applied across all projects in an organization. This leads to better coordination between teams, improved communication and collaboration, reduced duplication of effort and enhanced efficiency.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):

The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into manageable work packages or tasks. It is primarily used in project management to organize and structure the project's deliverables, tasks, and activities.

The primary purpose of a WBS is to organize and define the total scope of the project. By examining the project in smaller parts, it becomes easier to estimate, plan, manage, and control each aspect of the project.

Create WBS ( or Work Breakdown Structure) is the process of subdividing project deliverables and project work into smaller, more manageable components. The key benefit of this process is that it provides a framework of what has to be delivered.

Another good measure is the “8 – 80” rule, which recommends that the lowest level of work should be no less than 8 hours and no more than 80 hours. Level of detail for work packets should be documented in the WBS Dictionary or the Project Management Plan.

The rule applies at all levels within the hierarchy: the sum of the work at the “child” level must equal 100% of the work represented by the “parent”—and the WBS should not include any work that falls outside the actual scope of the project; that is, it cannot include more than 100% of the work.

A WBS breaks down the project into manageable tasks and subtasks, while a responsibility matrix assigns roles and responsibilities for each task. In this article, you will learn how to develop a WBS and a responsibility matrix effectively, using some simple steps and best practices.

What does the WBS facilitate? ›

The WBS (including the WBS dictionary) facilitates communication as it provides a common frame of reference for all contract line items and end items.

In project management, a WBS makes both simple and complex projects easier to manage. Here's how: Clear organization: A WBS organizes the project into distinct phases, deliverables, and/or tasks. This clear structure makes it easier to create a project schedule and see what needs to be done and in what order.

For example, you have a project that consists of two global parts or key tasks. These tasks will contain certain subtasks that must be followed strictly one by one. These subtasks can also have a list of activities in a smaller hierarchy. All this makes up a WBS structure.

A product-oriented WBS allows project managers to more precisely identify which elements are causing cost/schedule overruns and more effectively mitigate overruns by addressing their root causes.

Some projects require certain types of WBS elements, e.g., assembly or integration, while others do not.