A work breakdown structure wbs represents this division of a project into constituent tasks. Also, please note that you dont have to put everything a textbook prescribes. It is also a good layout to use when developing the wbs because you can easily make changes, especially since the microsoft word auto numbering feature. The wbs dictionary is a key project definition tool that defines indepth the scope for each work element. Since a wbs dictionary accompanies a work breakdown structure, the latter is provided with an image which readers can reference as we proceed with the explanations. Wbs examples for a software project, construction projects, a conference, finding a job, selling a house, planning permission and other real projects. We have seen that wbs can be structured by project phases or by major deliverables. Construction project work breakdown structure examples. For example, if you are doing a multimedia project the deliverables might include producing a book, cd, and a dvd figure 9.
Take note, however, that the example provided is only a wbs for phase 1 of a business development project and is not the entire representation of the project management tool. This is when making a work breakdown structure or a work breakdown structure template is essential. Wbs is a hierarchical and incremental decomposition of the project into phases, deliverables and work packages. Work breakdown structure example for it infrastructure click on the image to use it as a template wbs template for event planning. Among them, it can appear in the form of a flow chart, an outline or a quasilist. Work breakdown structure templates editable online or. In a project or contract, the wbs is developed by starting with the end objective and successively subdividing it into. The most complete project management glossary for professional project managers. Work breakdown structure rev e, june 2003 work breakdown structure a project work breakdown structure wbs is a deliverable or product oriented grouping of project work elements shown in graph ical display to organize and subdivide the total work scope of a project. This article will give a few work breakdown structure examples and will give you an overview of how wbs can. Start from this vector template and modify with required information and builtin symbols in edraw. K e y w or ds wbs, work breakd own structure, project, management tool, project management 1. Work breakdown structure dictionary was controlled and tracked. This is an example of a work breakdown structure wbs for.
The work breakdown structure wbs step helps accomplish the following key objectives. The outline view presents an easy to view and understand layout for the wbs. Task identification and work breakdown structure san jose state. Like the work breakdown structure, the wbs dictionary should be generated with considerable input from the project team members. Tasks and activities will be grouped under these lowest levels.
Project activities in which wbs and schedules are useful. A work breakdown structure wbs milstd881c is a tool used to define a project in discrete work elements in a hierarchical format. Free work breakdown structure templates smartsheet. If youre interested in viewing industryspecific examples of wbs templates. The form of representation should be chosen based on the needs of the specific. The first approach structures the wbs primarily from a deliverables perspective, in that the highest level level 1 entries represent the major deliverables that the project is committed to create. Work breakdown structure wbs discover why edraw is an excellent program to create wbs. You will find it fast and convenient to make great wbs diagrams. Each level of the wbs is a level of detail created by decomposition. Oct 09, 2018 wbs diagrams can be used for various purposes very effectively. It is a tabular or graphical representation of the tasks that make up the projects scope. A work breakdown structure example can be found online.
The number of the levels required for the wbs project management template xls will be depend on the characteristics of the project, but the levels must be sufficient to meet the project managers needs for the accurate estimating and the effective project monitoring. One work breakdown structure example that will make it clear. A work breakdown structure wbs is a fundamental project management technique. Assuming that the lowestlevel entries are assigned to. This work template tells us about how the total work can be distributed amongst the members in a. Ill take you through real construction wbs examples that can you use to get started.
The work breakdown structure, generally abbreviated wbs, is a key project deliverable that is used to manage a project works and assigning the works to teams. This is where a wbs, work breakdown schedule or work breakdown structure comes into play. Using a wbs diagram, each function can be properly organized and work allocation can be done easily using the collaborating. Final combined uniformat ii wbs 91806, revision 2 unf l1 unf l2 unf l3 wbs l4 definition e uom m uom quantity definition b101007 floor raceway systems sf m2 gross floor area under floor or inslab conduit including conduit and all associated devices. The example above uses a tree format, which is the most visual option. It is a tabular or graphical representation of the tasks. Jun 01, 2005 nasa work breakdown structure wbs handbook page viii preface p. The work breakdown structure presented here represents all the work required to complete this project. Company owners and project managers use the work breakdown structure wbs to make complex projects more manageable. As you can see from this work breakdown structure example, it required not that much of an effort. In the similar vein, the level of the detail will vary, but one the option is to follow the 880 rule, which. This is an example of a work breakdown structure wbs for a. With edraw max, you can edit the free work breakdown structure chart template for project management. Changes to it apps plans and deliverables it apps implementation.
The tree structure view is the most popular format for the wbs. Create a work breakdown structure outline, diagram, or dictionary template, or choose a customizable. The lowest levels of wbs shows the project deliverables. For example, it can be organized by either deliverable or phase. Element level wbs title description 1 6500m hov a4500 2 project management 3. Wbs for software testing breaking down the testing tasks requires understanding the process of testing the software that is being coded by the build team, and the full scope of the testing work. Project management work breakdown structure wbs tmr. Tausworthe jet propllsiotl lrrhoultop the work breakdown structure wbs is a vehicle for breaking an engineering project down into subproject, tasks, subtasks, work packages, and so on. Project scope statement was created together with wbs and wbs dictionary in one application. It structures the wbs like an org chart and shows the hierarchy of tasks in addition to providing space for additional information about each work package.
This is a free work breakdown structure wbs template in excel and pdf. Work breakdown structure practice standard projectwbs vs. As an example, suppose that a 10% enddate pre diction accuracy is required i. Oct 27, 2016 managers use wbs to break down their projects into easily manageable components. Applying the work breakdown structure to the project management lifecycle. Wbs examples for a software project, construction projects, a conference, finding a job, selling a house, planning. Use the table below to provide the version number, the author implementing the version, the date of the version, the name of the person approving the version, the date that particular version was approved, and a brief description of the reason for creating the revised version. Edit this wbs template online using our tool and easily visualize your project work. Reviewing an example schedule can help you get a head start on your planning activities and make sure you dont overlook important factors that can make the difference between success and failure. The template includes instructions to the author, boilerplate text, and fields that should be replaced with the values specific to the project. It is used to identify all project deliverables and necessary activities.
The wbs dictionary is created by the project manager. Project management is like fixing a car you must break it down into parts. Level 3 shows the major deliverables and level 4 is the. Click here editable work breakdown structure wbs template with both tree and tab views.
The example in this file wont be an appropriate wbs for every consulting engagement, of course, but it provides a solid baseline for comparison. The below diagram example shows how event planning can be done using a wbs diagram. The contents of the template are shown below and hints and tips are includes in the template. Event planning is a systematic process which needs proper organizing. Collaboration features to do the breakdown as a team. In the similar vein, the level of the detail will vary, but one the option. I dont want to rehash what a work breakdown structure is and why we need one for your construction project schedule. Jan 19, 2016 for example, it can be organized by either deliverable or phase. Editable work breakdown structure template to plan your work.
Construction project wbs examples to get you started. How to create work breakdown structure wbs from project. The work breakdown structure in software project management robert c. Managers use wbs to break down their projects into easily manageable components. What is wbs work breakdown structure in project management. This work breakdown structure example shows that all the elements are listed under wbs levels. The elements at the lowest level of the wbs are called tasks. The major deliverables of the project are used as the first level in the wbs. Creating the work breakdown structure the wbs can be structured in either of two ways. The work breakdown structure provides a common framework for the natural development of the overall planning and control of a contract and is the basis for dividing work into definable increments from which the statement of work can be developed and technical, schedule, cost, and labor hour reporting can be established. A work breakdown structure wbs identifies tasks and deliverables. Decomposition is the process of breaking down the work into smaller, more manageable components. This project wbs template is free for you to copy and use on your project and within.
A work breakdown structure wbs is a decomposition of all the work necessary to complete a. You wont find the problem if you cant isolate the defective part, and you cant fix the problem if the defective part is not separated from the main engine a work breakdown structure wbs represents this division of a project into constituent tasks. Work breakdown structure examples and overview brighthub. Wbs dictionary table format example wbs dictionary excel format example risk. The wbs template is prepared for you to have a quick design. A work breakdown structure, commonly abbreviated wbs, is a key project deliverable that is utilized to organize a project teams work and responsibilities into compact sections that are more manageable. The work breakdown structure wbs is the foundation for project planning and control. You can choose from several different format options when creating a work breakdown structure. Create a personalized wbs chart that stands out from the crowd with edraw. These components are further decomposed until a required person from the team can be assigned. By kim colenso, managing principal, artemis management systems. A work breakdown structure can be constructed in several formats. Creating the work breakdown structure by kim colenso, managing principal, artemis management systems the work breakdown structure wbs is the foundation for project planning and control. The work breakdown structure in software project management.
This beginnerfriendly guide will help you understand the work breakdown structure and create one on your own. A deliverable basically is the end result or product of a task. It presents an easy to understand view into the wbs. The wbs is the structure and code that integrates and relates all project work scope, schedule, and cost. This is an example of a work breakdown structure wbs for a traditional waterfall approach to software development. Let me teach you how to plan a solid wbs for your construction project schedule. How to create a work breakdown structure lucidchart blog. Each node of this structure is independently verifiable. The schedule and budget is then created and tracked by task. Sep 06, 2017 the number of the levels required for the wbs project management template xls will be depend on the characteristics of the project, but the levels must be sufficient to meet the project managers needs for the accurate estimating and the effective project monitoring. The sow, input from the testing team, past similar projects. This work package includes all work required to generate, administer and implement project control functions and.
The template is fully editable with excel and can be converted or changed to suit specific project requirements. It is the connecting point for work and cost estimates, schedule information, actual work effortcost expenditures, and accountability. Work breakdown structure wbs template free visio excel. A work breakdown structure wbs is a graphical chart which shows all the parts a project has to deliver in order to meet the project goal. The wbs is designed to help break down a project into manageable chunks that can be effectively estimated and supervised. It is a tree structure, which shows a subdivision of effort required to achieve an objective.
The work breakdown structure wbs is essential for getting a project off the ground. Wbs diagrams can be used for various purposes very effectively. Work breakdown structure relativistic heavy ion collider. Work breakdown structure template free excel powerpoint vision format work breakdown structure template. An example would be the finished design model for a ship.
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