Work Breakdown Structure

What is Work Breakdown Structure?

A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a visual tool that breaks a project into smaller, manageable parts. It helps teams organize work by dividing the overall goal into tasks and subtasks.

Understanding WBS

Click each bullet to reveal a fact about Work Breakdown Structure. Then click each of the three terms to reveal definitions.

WBS shows a hierarchy of tasks, from broad project phases down to specific deliverables.

WBS improves planning, clarifies responsibilities, and ensures no part of the project is overlooked.

WBS's are used by roject managers, engineers, builders, and anyone managing complex projects.

Hierarchy

Work Package

Deliverable

Example

Top Level: project name or goal

Mid Level: major deliverables

This WBS outlines the major components of a house construction project. Click each section to explore its tasks and subtasks.

Bottom Level: work packages

Key Tips

A WBS helps teams stay organized and focused. Click the three tips below to discover how to get the most out of them.

Foundation

➤ Involves preparing the ground and base such as excavation, leveling, and pouring the foundation.

Work Package

The smallest unit of work in a WBS.

Internal

➤ Focuses on the inside of the house, including electrical wiring and fittings

Planning (Jan–Feb):

➤ Define goals, target audience, and project scope.

Tip 1: Start with the big picture

➤ Break the project into major deliverables before adding details.

Deliverable

A tangible or measurable output of a task.

Plumbing

➤ Covers water systems and fixtures such as piping and cold/hot water.

Tip 2: Keep tasks manageable

➤ Each work package should be small enough to estimate and assign.

Hierarchy

The structure showing how tasks are grouped and related.

Tip 3: Use WBS to assign roles

➤ Clarify who is responsible for each part of the project.