Resource Breakdown Structure in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
The resource breakdown structure (RBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of all resources available in a project or organization, categorized by type and classification. It is used to support the planning, allocation, and management of resources by grouping them according to departments, locations, teams, roles, qualifications, or resource types (e.g., personnel, material, equipment), thus providing a clear overview of the resource pool.
Example, best practice, and further information
A software company might structure its human resources by functional teams such as ‘Backend Development’, ‘Frontend Development’, ‘Quality Assurance/Testing’, and ‘Project Management’. A best practice is to align the resource breakdown structure with the organizational structure and the specific requirements of resource management. This supports the resource management processes outlined in the PMBOK Guide and facilitates the formation of (agile) teams by improving efficiency and clarity in resource planning.