WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS)

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.

WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

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

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

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.

GANTT CHART / BAR CHART

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