In this module you will learn what is a workbreakdown structure, how does to construct it and use it as a major planning, tracking and control tool.
A workbreakdown structure (WBS) is a visual, hierarchical and deliverable-oriented deconstruction of a project. It is an essential project management tool for planning and scheduling.
A WBS helps the PM to
- organize deliverables and tasks,
- establish and visualize project schedule baseline and track the actual project progress incl. potential variances
- decompose major tasks to subtasks and establish task dependencies
- assign human and other resources to each task and estimate its duration, clarify work load and collaboration needs
- identify a critical path of the project and mission critical tasks
- identify risks and add risk mitigation activities
- prevent time delays, scope creep and cost overrun etc.
How does a WBS look like?
The final deliverable rests on top of the diagram, and the levels below subdivide the project scope to indicate the deliverables and tasks that are needed to complete the project. That means that a WBS decomposes the project deliverables into more manageable pieces that are easier to plan and deliver. The number of WBS levels may differ based on exact project specifics.
How to construct a WBS?
The novices are usually adviced to start with a verb-oriented WBS that defines the deliverables as actions. (There are also noun-oriented WBS and time-phase oriented WBS, but in the APM course we will stick to a verb-oriented WBS).
In the beginning, it is crutial to have a complete picture of the project, incl. project goals and objectives (project charter).
Than you may proceed in top-down or buttom-up manner.
Project team as well as expert audits are adviced for PM novices.
WBS Components:
- Task description
- Task identification number
- Task owner + resources
- Task dependencies
- Task duration estimates
- Task costs
- (Task status)
Take-away 1: there is not a single way how to do a good WBS for your project. 10 people may construct 10 different WBS and they may all be correct. However, you must be sure that the moment you complete all the tasks and activities on the list, you may be sure that all the work to be done is completed and all you contractual obligations are met!
Take-away 2: WBS is not a shopping list, nor it is a list of decisions to be made!
Assignement: Create a WBS for the following project.
A subtenant moved away from the premises of a municipal library. A large room thus became available to the library management. A centre for life-long learning that should be open to local community is to be created.
- the room is equipped with electricity, heating, windows, doors and carpet
Prepare a hierarchical work-breakdown structure that would lead the project team all the way up to the opening of the centre to public. Focus on the scope of the tasks and their hierarchy.
In order to check the completeness of the WBS, imagine the task-walk-through from the position of the final beneficiaries.
Format: Excel, Word or screen shot/photo.
List any assumptions if necessary.
To be submitted by Monday 28th April, 2022 till 10.00 am to the email address helena.lipkova@ff.cuni.cz.