Work Break Down Structure

Why do we need to know about Work break down structure?

If one single person does the work, then it will take a lot of time to complete the task and you cannot be also sure about the output of the job. But when various people are involved in the job, then you get to complete the job in half the time and also you will come across many ideas through which the job can be done in an easy manner and save a lot of time and money. A complex project is only achievable if the project is broken down to a hierarchy of simple work structure. This structure will also allow you to employ the skills of the people with respect to the job that is needed to be done.  Work break down structure happens to be the tool of project management which gives better knowledge of the project work elements and the total work scope of the project. Work break down structure is like a tree structure, which shows the sub division of effort required. When you have a better understanding of the job, then you will be able to complete the job successfully and also within the record time.

Work break down structure design principles:

• The 100% rule:  this 100% rule states that Work break down structure includes the total hundred percent of the work as defined by the project scope and also captures all derivable. It is one of the most important Work break down structure design principles.
• Mutually exclusive elements: it is important that there is no overlap in the scope definition within two elements of Work break down structure. In case there is an overlap then there might be some issues in the cost accounting and would also cause confusions.
• Planned outcomes and not planned actions: when a Work break down structure designer attempts to capture any action oriented details in Work break down structure, then he or she will either take too many actions in to consideration, or too less actions. When too many actions will exceed the 100% of the scope and too less action will be lesser than the 100% scope.