WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE (WBS)

ASSIGNMENT
PC3 – CONSTRUCTION COST ENGINEERING

Submitted by:
FRANCESS LEANNE P. RAMOS
BSCE-CEM 4IRREG

Submitted to:
ENGR. RICHARD R. GUTIERREZ
(Instructor)
Work breakdown structure (WBS)

Work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool used

to visually represent all the tasks associated with a project in
a hierarchical structure. The main purpose of a WBS is to break
down project deliverables. It gives project managers a solid
foundation on which to create the project schedule and identify
the best way to reach the project goals.
Work breakdown structure (WBS) is a project management tool that
takes a step-by-step approach to complete large projects with
several moving pieces. It’s a diagram that helps break down large
projects into smaller and more manageable parts which contain the
project deliverables or outcomes that it will complete.

2 types of Work breakdown structure (WBS)

 Deliverable-based work breakdown structure: This is a
deliverable-oriented hierarchical decomposition of the work. A
Deliverable-Based Work Breakdown Structure clearly demonstrates
the relationship between the project deliverables (i.e.,
products, services or results) and the scope (i.e., work to be
executed).

FIGURE 1 – DELIVERABLE BASED WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

Phase-based work breakdown structure: The Level 1 has five Elements.
Each of these Elements are typical phases of a project. The Level 2
Elements are the unique deliverables in each phase. Regardless of the
type of WBS, the lower-level Elements are all deliverables. Notice
that Elements in different Legs have the same name. A Phase-Based WBS
requires work associated with multiple elements be divided into the
work unique to each Level 1 Element. A WBS Dictionary is created to
describe the work in each Element.

FIGURE 2 - PHASE BASED WORK BREAKDOWN STRUCTURE

Characteristics of Work breakdown structure

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) has several key characteristics
that contribute to its effectiveness as a project management tool:
1. Hierarchical Structure:
Organized in a hierarchical manner, with the top level representing
the entire project and subsequent levels breaking down into phases,
deliverables, and tasks.
2. Detailed and Specific:
Break down project work into manageable and specific tasks or
deliverables, providing a detailed view of the project scope.
3. Deliverable-Oriented:
Focuses on the final deliverables or outcomes of the project, making
it easier to track and manage progress against tangible goals.
4. Action-Oriented Language:
Uses action verbs to describe tasks, making it clear what needs to be
accomplished at each level of the structure.
5. Action-Oriented Language:
Uses action verbs to describe tasks, making it clear what needs to be
accomplished at each level of the structure.
6. Scope-Bound:
Clearly defines the boundaries of the project, helping to prevent
scope creep by providing a structured view of what is included in the
project.
7. Graphical or Tabular Representation:
Can be presented visually in charts or tables, making it easy for
project stakeholders to understand and providing a quick overview of
the project structure.
8. Flexible:
Allows for flexibility and adaptability as project details evolve. It
can be updated and revised to accommodate changes in project scope or
requirements.
9. Responsibility Assignment:
Assigns responsibilities for each task or deliverable, promoting
accountability within the project team.
10. Time and Resource Estimation:
Provides a basis for estimating time and resources required for each
task, aiding in project planning and scheduling.
11. Depict Dependencies:
Clearly depicts dependencies between tasks, helping in the
identification of critical paths and ensuring a logical sequence of
work.
12. Tool for Planning and Control:
Serves as a foundation for project planning and control, helping
project managers allocate resources, monitor progress, and make
informed decisions.
13. Dynamic and Iterative:
Recognizes that project details may evolve, and the WBS can be dynamic
and iterative, reflecting changes in project scope or circumstances.
14. Communication Tool:
Acts as a communication tool, ensuring that all stakeholders have a
shared understanding of the project structure and objectives.
By embodying these characteristics, a well-constructed Work Breakdown
Structure becomes an invaluable tool in project management,
contributing to the successful planning, execution, and control of
projects.
Key components of a work breakdown structure
Each component of a WBS serves a specific role and conveys a different
level of detail. The highest level defines the big picture, while the
lowest level specifies every detail.
Deliverables: These focus on the big picture and represent the
project's ultimate outcome or results.
Work packages: These are the smallest work units within the WBS, are
the project’s building blocks, and have specific deliverables assigned
to them.
Tasks and subtasks: These represent a detailed breakdown of the
activities or steps within a work package, allowing for precise
planning and execution.
Work breakdown structure construction project example
When millions are on the line in construction project management,
avoiding costly mistakes becomes your priority. That is why, your
vital objective is to prepare an ideal WBS, referencing any reliable
work breakdown structure construction project example. Again, you can
create it using a professional tool or even utilize an Excel WBS
template.
For better understanding, let’s analyze a work breakdown structure
example for a construction project related to building a cottage. This
is a popular case, as people round the world constantly seek a
breakdown structure for building a house example. Such projects
usually require detailed preparation and careful planning.
This example of a work breakdown structure for a construction project
demonstrates that all the elements are listed under the WBS levels.
The lowest levels represent the project deliverables, and all
activities and tasks will be grouped under these lowest levels.
Level 1 is the overall project.
Level 2 is the key stage of this project.
Levels 3, 4, and 5 represent the major and minor deliverables.
Let’s look at all these levels on a tree-like WBS in detail.
The example of a tree-like WBS in construction
Site preparation. It’ll all start with the site cleaning. The nearby
area should be ready for all upcoming activities. It will take some
time. After that, you will need secure fencing in order to carry out
all the internal work.
Buying resources. The next stage of our construction work breakdown
structure example includes estimating costs, purchasing the necessary
materials and construction equipment, and recruiting manpower.
Construction. This is one of the most important steps in the process
of building the cottage, as it relates to building a foundation and
various structures. Painting works are also included into this part of
the WBS.
Cleaning. After all construction work, you will need to remove scrap
and unnecessary building materials.
Handover deliverable. Our work breakdown structure for construction
project examples will end with the release of the cottage and the
dissolution of the team.
Now look at how a WBS can be visualized in GanttPRO.
The example of a Gantt chart WBS in construction
A friendly timeline and dozens of useful features make your WBS a
perfect visual tool. This fully explains the fact that so many project
teams around the world use GanttPRO templates as the example of a work
breakdown structure for housing construction projects. It really makes
life easier and simplifies many processes, saving valuable time.

Meanwhile, we are moving to the next sphere and another interesting

case.

REFERENCES

 Atlassian. (n.d.). Work breakdown structure in project Management

| The Workstream.
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-breakdown-structure
 Bakkah Learning. (2024, February 26). WBS in Project Management:
Structure, types, examples, and characteristics.
https://bakkah.com/knowledge-center/wbs-pm
 Creately. (2022, October 23). What is a Work Breakdown Structure?
and How To Create a WBS? Creately.
https://creately.com/guides/how-to-create-a-work-breakdown-
structure/
 Kukhnavets, P., & Kukhnavets, P. (2024, March 7). Work Breakdown
Structure Examples (WBS) for various projects. Gantt Chart
GanttPRO Blog. https://blog.ganttpro.com/en/work-breakdown-
structure-example-wbs/
 Organ, C. (2022, March 25). Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in
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 https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/what-is-work-breakdown-
structure/
 Raeburn, A. (2024, February 7). Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
What is it? [2024] • Asana. Asana.
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 Staff, C. (2024, February 26). Work Breakdown Structure (WBS):
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https://www.coursera.org/articles/work-breakdown-structure
 What is a Work Breakdown Structure? | Miro. (n.d.).
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wbs/
 Work breakdown structure. (n.d.). workbreakdownstructure.com.
https://www.workbreakdownstructure.com/
 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): The Ultimate Guide (with
Examples). (2024a, January 2). ProjectManager.
https://www.projectmanager.com/guides/work-breakdown-structure
 Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): The Ultimate Guide (with
Examples). (2024b, January 2). ProjectManager.
https://www.projectmanager.com/guides/work-breakdown-structure