WBS in Project Management – Definition and Meaning
The WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) is a fundamental technique in project management for the hierarchical decomposition of the total scope and deliverables of a project into smaller, more manageable components. It is used to fully capture, organize, and structure the project work, typically down to the level of work packages, thereby providing a clear, deliverable-oriented foundation for further planning of schedules, costs, resources, risks, as well as for project control and reporting.
Example, best practice, and further information on the term
A WBS for a software project might show at the highest level the main phases or major deliverables (e.g., requirements document, system design, implemented modules, test report), which are then further broken down to the level of concrete work packages (e.g., “Implement login module”). A best practice is the joint development of the WBS within the project team to achieve a complete and shared understanding of the project scope. Creating the WBS is a central process in the PMBOK Guide. Although agile methods do not prescribe a formal WBS, the product backlog serves a similar function of structuring and breaking down work. A good WBS promotes clarity, completeness, and supports the assignment of responsibilities.