5.4 Create WBS
Process Definition
The Work Breakdown Structure is a description of all the deliverables to be provided in fulfillment of the project. It captures all the products, services and data to be delivered to the customer for successful completion of the project. Given that the WBS is essentially a list of deliverable items, WBS elements should generally be listed as nouns rather than verbs. Verbs are used to describe schedule activities, not WBS deliverables. This is explained in further detail in the WBS Practice Standard, 2nd Edition, Section 5.5.1.Process Assessment
The WBS is one of the most critical elements of project planning. Clearly defining all deliverables for which the project is responsible, including products, services and data, is absolutely essential to accomplishing all of the chartered objectives. It's also important not to overanalyze the breakdown early in the project. Identify all the top-level deliverables, but leave further decomposition to the team members responsible for executing on that WBS element.
Figure 8. Create WBS: Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs. Reprinted from "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide), 5th Edition" by Project Management Institute, 2013, p. 125. Copyright 2013 by Project Management Institute, Inc. Reprinted without permission.
- Aircraft WBS, Tree Structure, MIL-STD-881C: Example of a classic "tree structure" WBS for an aircraft. This WBS was created using the Mil Std 881C guidelines for an aircraft WBS and is therefore MilSpec compliant. The WBS is part of the scope baseline, an output of this process.
- Aircraft WBS, Tabular Structure, MIL-STD-881C: Example of a "tabular structure" WBS for an aircraft. This WBS was created using the MIL-STD-881C guidelines for an aircraft WBS and is therefor MilSpec compliant. The WBS is part of the scope baseline, an output of this process.
- WBS Dictionary Example: This WBS dictionary example was created in PMGT 611 for a process improvement plan. The WBS dictionary is part of the scope baseline, an output of the create WBS process.
- Detailed WBS Dictionary Template: This template allows a PM to complete a detailed WBS dictionary to support schedule development, cost estimating, and HR planning. This is a tool for this process.