A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual, hierarchical and deliverable-oriented deconstruction of a project. It is a helpful diagram for project managers because it allows them to break down their project scope and visualize all the tasks required to complete their projects.

May 28, 2024 · By breaking down the project into smaller components, a WBS can integrate scope, cost and deliverables into a single tool. While most WBSes are deliverable-based, they can also be phase-based. Read...

Oct 22, 2011 · It demonstrates how the WBS leverages a wealth of information available in the project scope statement. I will explain the use of the scope statement documents (objectives, context diagram, project constraints, critical success factors, and project assumptions) as a source of information used to add deliverables to the WBS.

Dec 1, 1994 · With this basic information in hand, Sam was ready to develop a WBS (work breakdown structure). Projects today are often quite large and complex. Failure to plan the project carefully can result in excessive rework and interminable delays in completion. Failure to communicate the plan can lead to confusion and uncoordinated efforts.

Project managers use work breakdown structures to help teams to break down complex project scopes, visualize projects and dependency-related deliverables, and give team members a visual project overview as opposed to a list of to-dos. From there, you’ll organize your structure based on the hierarchical levels of sub-deliverables.

Jan 31, 2024 · A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the project scope into smaller, manageable deliverables or tasks, providing clarity and ensuring that all project work is accounted for. A WBS helps estimate resources, timelines, and costs more accurately, ultimately enabling better planning, execution, and control.

Feb 11, 2022 · A Work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management method used on a complex, multi-step project to make its completion easier by dividing it and conquering each one separately. This method allows for tasks to get done faster and more efficiently.

Mar 21, 2025 · Here's an example work breakdown structure for product development (source: SlideTeam). This work breakdown structure example for a product development project is a phase-oriented WBS. Each phase of the project is then broken down into specific product deliverables that need to be completed within that phase (e.g. in the marketing phase, the ...

What is a work breakdown structure (WBS)? A WBS in project management is a hierarchical decomposition of a project into smaller components. It starts with the overall project goal at the top and then breaks things down into smaller, more efficient deliverables.

Feb 13, 2002 · Proper scope definition is critical for a project’s success. A work breakdown structure (WBS) can help you define the scope of your project by taking the scope statement and subdividing...