Project management can be a challenging domain. Complex projects with numerous tasks and deadlines can put project teams in awe and overwhelm them. A work breakdown structure helps to break these tasks into smaller sub-tasks and simplify matters. A WBS is defined as a deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of work to be done by the project team.

1. What is a Work Breakdown Structure
(WBS) In Project Management?
Projectmanagement can be a challenging domain. Complex projects with
numerous tasks and deadlines can put projectteams in awe and overwhelm
them. A work breakdown structurehelps to break these tasks into smaller sub-
tasks and simplify matters. A WBS is defined as a deliverable-oriented hierarchical
decomposition of work to be done by the project team.
Why Use WBS in Project Management
The key benefits of using a work breakdown structure areas follows:
Provides a Micro Picture
Projects can be overwhelming, especially large and complex ones. Itcan be
challenging for the best of projectmanagers to take on projects without breaking
it down. A work breakdown structurecomes to the rescue of project teams in
such situations. Itprovides a macro-level picture of the project. Italso provides an
understanding of the projectteam about which pieces fit wherein a project.
Breaking complex tasks into smaller and more manageable activities makes it

2. easier to comprehend. Italso provides clarity to the project team on how and
when the specific tasks need to be completed.
Projectteam members can visualizehow their specific tasks contribute to the
overall project. This gives them a better understanding of the projectand the
motivation to complete their tasks on time.
A Planning and Monitoring Tool
A work breakdown structureis a unique project management tool. Itacts as
planning as well as a monitoring resource. Itprovides a micro picture of the entire
project. The project teams know aboutthe work to be done during specific
timelines. A WBS fixes responsibilities and deadlines for each activity in the
project. Itgives the projectteam more focus to This makes it an ideal planning
guide to communicate micro plans and deliverables to the projectteam.
Once the WBS is made, it also acts as a plan to monitor the projectdelivery. The
projectmanager has a blueprint against which he/she can monitor the project
progress, challenges, resourceutilization, etc. Itallows the project manager to
ensurethat the project is on track in terms of budget and timelines.
Prevents Unwanted Changes
Projectmanagers are wary of changes in the projectscope. It can mean revising
the projectactivities and can change the budget and expected timelines. In most
cases, changes need to be done due to poorly defined project scope. WBS in
projectmanagement helps to break down the tasks to a granular level. Hence, a
work breakdown structurehelps in clarifying the project scopeand making it
more robust. This reduces the number of unwanted changes that would
otherwisebe required during the projectexecution.
Helps in Resource Allocation
Preparing a resourceallocation plan can be challenging. Itis never easy to make a
reliable estimate of resources like personnel, time, money, etc. in project

3. execution. Over or underestimating resourceallocations can jeopardizea project.
A work breakdown structureallows you to divide complex works into micro-level
tasks. This gives a clear idea of the specific activities to be executed at different
times. WBS in projectmanagement makes it easier to estimate resource
requirements and making a resourceallocation plan. This will ensurethat the
projectthere is no lack of resources or any overspending dueto excess resource
allocation.
Fosters Communication and Cooperation
A WBS helps in improving cooperation and communication among the project
team members. Itshows theproject progress, pending tasks, resourceallocation,
etc. to the project team. These details are easily communicated to the project
team with a work breakdown structure. Theteam members can coordinate with
each other for the timely completion of tasks by referring to WBS in project
management.