Process: Create WBS
Process Group: Planning
Knowledge Area: Project Scope Management
Purpose
The Create WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) process involves decomposing the project scope into smaller, more manageable components called work packages. The WBS provides a hierarchical structure that defines all the work required to complete the project, forming the foundation for planning, estimating, scheduling, and controlling.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Especially the scope management plan that outlines how the WBS will be developed and maintained.
- Project Documents – Includes the project scope statement and requirements documentation.
- Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) – Standards, tools, or organizational expectations for structuring scope.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – WBS templates, historical information, and lessons learned from similar projects.
Tools and Techniques
- Expert Judgment – Used to structure the WBS based on experience with similar projects.
- Decomposition – The primary technique for breaking down deliverables into smaller, more manageable components.
- Team Collaboration – Involving stakeholders and team members to ensure the breakdown is complete and practical.
Outputs
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Scope Baseline, which includes:
- Project Scope Statement – Final version after decomposition.
- WBS – A hierarchical structure of the entire scope.
- WBS Dictionary – A detailed description of each work package including deliverables, assumptions, and acceptance criteria.
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Project Document Updates – Updates to requirements documentation, assumption log, or lessons learned register as needed.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- In the Planning Process Group, Create WBS translates scope into tangible work elements.
- Within Project Scope Management, it creates the structure that supports detailed planning, performance measurement, and control.
Why It Matters
- Improves Clarity and Control – Breaks down complex scope into manageable pieces.
- Supports Estimating and Scheduling – Enables more accurate planning by isolating work packages.
- Enhances Accountability – Assigns ownership at the work package level.
- Enables Progress Tracking – Provides structure for monitoring completion and performance.