Page 211 - DMGT521_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Project Management

Notes 12.1.1 Purpose

Why do we need to create a WBS for our projects? What purpose does it serve? Why should I
waste my time writing on post-it notes and drawing charts when I could be getting my team
started on the actual work of the project? Now, I know everyone reading this is a great project
manager or team member, so I am sure none of you have ever said comments such as these, but
I am sure you have heard them from those “other” project managers who will remain nameless.
So to answer these questions, let’s take a look at what purpose the WBS serves to our project and
our project team. There are three reasons to use a WBS in your projects. The first is that is helps
more accurately and specifically define and organise the scope of the total project. The most
common way this is done is by using a hierarchical tree structure. Each level of this structure
breaks the project deliverables or objectives down to more specific and measurable chunks. The
second reason for using a WBS in your projects is to help with assigning responsibilities, resource
allocation, monitoring the project, and controlling the project. The WBS makes the deliverables
more precise and concrete so that the project team knows exactly what has to be accomplished
within each deliverable. This also allows for better estimating of cost, risk, and time because
you can work from the smaller tasks back up to the level of the entire project. Finally, it allows
you double check all the deliverables’ specifics with the stakeholders and make sure there is
nothing missing or overlapping.
12.1.2 Process

Now that we have agreed that creating a WBS will be help to our project’s efficiency and
effectiveness, how do we go about it? First, let’s look at what all we need to get started. There are
several inputs you will need to get you off on the right foot:
1. The Project Scope Statement
2. The Project Scope Management Plan

3. Organisational Process Assets
4. Approved Change Requests - (PMBOK Guide)
These inputs should give you all the information you and your team needs to create your WBS.
Along with these inputs, you will use certain tools as well:
1. Work Breakdown Structure Templates
2. Decomposition - (PMBOK Guide)
Finally, using these inputs and tools you will create the following outputs:
1. Work Breakdown Structure

2. WBS Dictionary
3. Scope Baseline
4. Project Scope Statement (updates)

5. Project Scope Management Plan (updates)
6. Requested Changes - (PMBOK Guide)
The first step to creating your WBS is to get all your team, and possibly key stakeholders,
together in one room. Although your team is not listed as an input or tool in the above sections,
they are probably your most vital asset to this process. Your team possesses all the expertise,

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