Work Breakdown Structure

Week 4 - How and why is the WBS constructed and how can it be used to identify risk.

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)


WBS or Work Breakdown Structure is a key project deliverable that organised work into manageable sections, helps prevent risks and also clearly set out tasks to be completed.

Why use WBS?



  1. Accuracy - WBS allows businesses to be more accurate with plans and specifically defines and organises the scope of the project. Through the use of hierarchical structures businesses can break down objectives into smaller measurable chunks.
  2. Control - WBS gives the business more control over the project as it assigns responsibilities, resource allocation and motorization. It allows processes to be more precise and concrete as everyone knows exactly whats been accomplished.
  3. Double Check - WBS allows businesses to double check what stakeholders actually want and that nothing is missed out or overlapped.

How to Construct WBS?


In order to construct a WBS the business must create:
  • A Project Scope Statement
  • A Project Scope Management Plan
  • Organisational Process Assets
  • Approved Change Requests
After this information is given the business can now create a WBS and decomposition.

How to Identify Risk?


By using WBS businesses can identify risk as all tasks are layed out infront for them which gives the business a map to follow and helps them plan out and make changes to avoid possible risks.
WBS also allows middle and lower management stay in contact with top management in order to avoid a lack of communication.



Credit:
Mars, L.A. - Contingency, Risks and Ensuring Quality
Mathis, M. - Project Smart
Consumer Dummies - Dummies
Jasper Smith - Game Theory Academy
Cacoo



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