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Work Breakdown Structure & Schedules
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A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) identifies tasks and deliverables associated with a
project. Resources are identified for each item within the WBS that facilitates budgeting
as well as assignment of responsibilities. T he WBS can be used to determine the critical
path of the project and create the project schedule.
Project activities in which WBS and schedules are useful:
☛ Drafts are created during the project definition phase of the project then details
are flushed out during the planning phase. The WBS and schedules are
continuously revisited and updated through the duration of the project.
Other tools that are useful in conjunction with WBS and schedules:
☛ CMT (Critical Path Method)
☛ PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique)
☛ Risk Management
Aids
☛ Microsoft Project™
Introduction
The WBS is the tool that is used to record and communicate the project deliverables
(something produced or an outcome) and sub-deliverables as well as the
accomplishments (something achieved) and sub-accomplishments. The identification of
these elements relies on the experience of the team members as well as consultation with
outside experts. Once the deliverables and accomplishments are listed, resources are
determined for each element and sub-element.
A schedule is created from the WBS to ensure the project’s objective is accomplished in
the time allotted. The first step in creating a schedule is an assessment of the critical path
or the shortest period in which the project can be completed. Once the critical path has
been established, start and end dates are assigned based on their relationship to the
critical path.
Application of WBS and Schedules
Work Breakdown Structure
The first step in creating a WBS is identifying the
project deliverables and sub-deliverables, and the
achievements and sub-achievements. Each
deliverable or achievement must equal the sum of its
sub-elements. The WBS can be represented either
1. Table Designed
1.1 Dimensions determined
1.2 Drawings completed
2. Materials Obtained
2.1 Material calculated
2.2 Materials purchased
3. Table Constructed
3.1 Parts prepared
3.1.1 Top cut to size
3.1.2 Legs turned
3.1.3 Parts assembled
4. Table Finished
4.1 Table sanded
4.2 Table stained
5. Table installed