Magno, Michael Sam Oamil November 16, 2023

Loreno, Jellah May F.

Perez, Crizel Jane
Tongco, Maria

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The deliverables of a project are defined and managed using a work breakdown structure, a project
management tool. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical framework that decomposes
intricate tasks into more feasible components. This enables users to view the specific deliverables that
must be accomplished to accomplish the overall objective of a project.

A work breakdown structure (WBS) focuses on intended outcomes rather than planned tasks, as do most
project management tools. A project manager can supervise the performance of otherwise challenging
activities within a project more successfully if the work breakdown structure (WBS) is well-organized.
Project management can be made easier by assigning precise prices and timelines to projects using a work
breakdown structure (WBS) that includes quantifiable, well-defined activities.

Important Features and Elements of the WBS

In WBS, the 100% rule is essential. This indicates that the work breakdown structure includes every facet
of the project together with the individual or group in charge of each component.

WBS's flat structure is one of its other essential features. The entirety of the project will be represented by
Level 1 of the WBS when the 100% rule is applied. If the project isn't obvious, some WBSs include an
upper-level description or summary. Next, applying the 100% rule at each level, the project is broken down
into even more detail in each of the levels following. Level 1 would be "Website for New Brand," for
example, if you were making a WBS for a new website. The deliverables required to complete the project,
such as developing content, designing layouts, and securing website urls, are broken down into Level 2
parts. The elements are continued to be broken down into further detail in each succeeding stage.

2 Types of the Work Breakdown Structure

1. Deliverable-based WBS - This is a hierarchical deliverable-oriented breakdown of the work. It
basically means that you will examine at the whole project scope and split your work down into
deliverables that support it. This methodology works best for initiatives that are shorter and have a
very defined goal. Creating your yearly revenue report is one example.
2. Phase-based WBS - In this case, work packages that contain collections of tasks are created using
project phases. This kind of work breakdown structure (WBS) usually uses verb form for individual
pieces and is concentrated on the actions that must be completed within specific disciplines to
finish a project. Combining a phase-oriented work breakdown structure (WBS) with your
 deliverables-oriented WBS has the advantage of offering a comprehensive functional breakdown of
the work, resulting in a more cohesive project scope. Additionally, it can be utilized to guarantee
that your job is carried out with top-notch procedures in place. For longer projects with fewer clear
objectives, you should employ a phase-based work breakdown structure (WBS).

Different Forms of WBS

Each project may have a different work breakdown structure.

To determine which WBS is most effective for you and your team, you may need to try a few different
approaches as a project manager. Making progress visible to all parties involved, including team members
and external stakeholders, is the aim of displaying the hierarchy of your initiatives.

Below are some examples of job breakdown structures. These can all be used to create a WBS outline.
 Spreadsheet for work breakdown structure (WBS): You can effectively organize your WBS in a
spreadsheet by labeling the various stages, tasks, or deliverables in the columns and rows.
  Work breakdown structure Flowchart: A diagrammatic workflow is one way to organize your WBS.
The majority of WBS templates and examples online are flowcharts.

 Work breakdown structure List: A straightforward list of tasks, deliverables, and subtasks can serve
as the basis for your WBS. This is the simplest method for creating a WBS.

 Work breakdown structure Gantt Chart: Your WBS can be organized as a Gantt chart, which is a
visual representation of a timeline and a spreadsheet. It is possible to integrate task dependencies
and display project milestones with a WBS structured as a Gantt chart.

Goals of Work Breakdown Structure in Construction Management

In construction, a work breakdown structure is used to help manage the project more effectively. The WBS
divides the construction work into sections that specify the project's objectives and each deliverable in great
detail. Project planners are better able to estimate expenses, allocate tasks, and monitor progress against
the timeline and budget when the work is broken down into its component parts.

The WBS also establishes the foundation for effective communication between all project stakeholders.

These are the primary goals of WBS in the building industry:

 Outlining the responsibilities and deliverables for teams and subcontractors
 Determining progress markers and benchmarks
 Establishing standards for acceptance and quality control
 Outlining the building techniques for every deliverable

Work Breakdown Structure Construction Examples

To grasp the essence of a building project, use these examples of work breakdown structures for
construction. The final delivery is divided into progressively smaller tasks in the examples below. The
picture for every example shows those progressively smaller parts of labor from top to bottom in declining
order.

1. The WBS for a Typical Building Project in Phases - The usual progression of a phase-based
construction project WBS from planning through construction, control, and closeout is
 demonstrated in this sample. Observe that a large number of the work packages consist of
procedures and tasks.

2. A Standard Commercial Building's Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) - This example of a work
breakdown structure for a construction project outlines important deadlines and deliverables, from
site setup to the final walkthrough. The hierarchy breaks down into individual components, like
plumbing, and into operations, like inspection. This example combines the phase-based and
deliverable-oriented structures by using both verbs and objects (nouns) to describe processes.
3. A work breakdown structure (WBS) for an engineering project involving a plant expansion is shown
below. It shows how crucial project deliverables for engineers include feasibility studies, production
engineering (from controls to pipes), and answering request for information from construction
companies.
4. This sample work breakdown structure (WBS) outlines the deliverables for a wastewater treatment
plant that removes toxins from wastewater. Subsequently, the WBS is further broken down into
component structures and major plant sections.
5. A Retail Store Construction Work Breakdown Structure - This Work Breakdown Structure example
displays four tiers of information regarding the store's layout. The main supporting structure, such
as an existing building or mall, is already in place. However, the project still needs the construction
of the relevant areas, such as a delivery zone and fitting rooms, as well as the design of the
outside and interior. Installing inventory management and point-of-sale systems is another task for
the project manager.

6. A Healthcare Facility Construction Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) - Constructing a hospital is a

significant project. This example of a work breakdown structure (WBS) for the building of a regional
medical facility is divided into the main complex wings, which include the food service and trauma
units.
Conclusion