A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a tool that can be used to help manage projects. It divides a project into its various tasks and then assigns each task a number. From there, it’s easy to see which tasks need to be completed first and how much work each one entails. If you’re new to project management and are looking for a way to streamline your process, applying a WBS to your project lifecycle is a great way to start. Not only will it make your life easier, but it will also help ensure that your project is on track and meeting all the required milestones. So if you’re ready to take your project management skills up a notch, check out our guide on how to apply work Best Project Management Software Of Ad Agency to your project lifecycle.
What is a work breakdown structure?
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a tool used to manage and track a project’s individual tasks and components. This helps ensure that all necessary work is carried out correctly and on time, enabling better decision making about the project’s overall direction.
A WBS divides a project into manageable tasks, or work packages. Each task typically has a specific purpose and duration. Tasks are further divided into subtasks, which are themselves broken down into smaller tasks. The WBS can be used at any stage of the project lifecycle, from planning to execution.
There are a few key benefits to using a WBS: it allows for better planning and management of resources, improved communication between team members, and faster completion of the project. Additionally, WBS can help identify any problems early on in the project, allowing them to be fixed before they become too costly or time-consuming to address.
If you’re looking to apply work breakdown structure to your next project, there are several helpful resources available online. For more in-depth information about how to create and use a WBS, take a look at our comprehensive guide here at eHow: http://www.ehow.com/info_8258015_work-breakdown-structure-project-lifecycle.html
The project lifecycle
Projects follow a predictable lifecycle to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. The following is a brief overview of the project life cycle.
Initiation – A project begins with an idea or request for service from an organization. Requirements gathering occurs during this phase to determine what must be done and how it should be done. Planning takes place during this stage to identify resources needed, deadlines, and strategies for completing the project. Execution begins with initiating actions that move the project forward but can also be disrupted by obstacles such as changes in requirements or unforeseen challenges. Monitoring and control provides feedback on whether the project is meeting goals, progressing according to plan, or experiencing problems that need to be addressed. The end result is a completed product or service that meets the needs of the customer.
The following images depict different stages in the Project Life Cycle:
Planning – In planning, teams identify key activities required to complete their product or service. These activities are broken down into tasks that can then be scheduled and tracked using work breakdown structures (WBSs). This allows managers to see at a glance where progress is being made and potential bottlenecks are arising early on in the process.
Execution – Teams take action to complete objectives assigned in planning while dealing with obstacles along the way. Tasks may need to be modified, added, or dropped due to changes in requirements or unexpected challenges encountered during execution. Monitoring and control ensures that teams are staying on track while meeting goals set
The benefits of using a work breakdown structure
There are many benefits of using a work breakdown structure (WBS) to manage projects. A WBS helps to ensure that all necessary tasks are identified and planned for, preventing overlap and wasted time. It also allows for easier communication and coordination among team members. Additionally, using a WBS can help you track project progress and identify areas of improvement.
How to create a work breakdown structure for your project
Work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management technique that divides a project into manageable tasks or work packages. The advantage of using WBS is that it helps to identify and track the progress of individual tasks, and to determine when tasks should be completed.
The first step in creating a WBS is to identify the project goals. Once the goals are identified, each task should be logically related to one or more goal objectives. Tasks can also be related to other tasks by dependencies (e.g., if task A needs resource B to complete, then B must first be completed).
Next, identify the resources required to complete each task.resources will need to be determined for both internal and external resources (i.e., people, equipment, material). When resources are identified, they should be assigned a type (e.g., personnel, equipment) and an identification number.
Once all the necessary information has been gathered, the next step is to create an estimate for each task. An estimate is simply an estimate of how long it will take someone working full-time on average to complete the task. The estimates for all the tasks should then be combined together into one grand total estimate for the entire project.
At this point, it’s important to review your WBS and make any necessary changes/adjustments. For example, if it’s discovered that more resources are required than were initially estimated, then additional tasks may need to
Tips for using work breakdown structure in your project
When you are creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) for your project, it is important to keep in mind the different stages of the project lifecycle. The WBS can be used to help organize the various tasks and activities involved in your project.
During planning, you may want to create a high-level WBS that includes only those activities that will take place during the planning stage. During execution, you may need to add more detail to accommodate changes or updates during the course of the project. And at termination, you can remove all but the most essential tasks from the WBS.
Creating a WBS is an important first step in any project, but it is not the only one you need to take into account when developing a plan. You should also consider how your project will be managed and organized throughout its lifecycle. For example, if your project will involve multiple teams working together on separate parts of the task, it may be helpful to create cross-functional Teams and assign tasks accordingly.