Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Deep Dive

Work Breakdown Structure

The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.

Key WBS Rules

• 100% Rule — The WBS must capture 100% of the work defined by the project scope, including project management work
• The lowest level of the WBS is the work package
• Work packages should be decomposed to a level where they can be estimated, scheduled, and monitored
• The WBS is deliverable-oriented, not activity-oriented
• The WBS defines scope — if it's not in the WBS, it's not in the project

WBS Components

• Level 1 — Project name
• Level 2 — Major deliverables or phases
• Level 3+ — Sub-deliverables, broken down further
• Work Package — Lowest level, the basis for estimating and managing

WBS Dictionary

A companion document that provides detailed information for each WBS element:

• Description of work
• Responsible organization
• Schedule milestones
• Quality requirements
• Cost estimates
• Acceptance criteria
• Technical references

Related Study Resources

• Scope Management Cheat Sheet
• Process Domain Study Guide