The Work Breakdown Structure is based on NASA practices. But it was introduced in 1987 by the Project Management Institute, through the PMBOK (Project Management Body of Knowledge) guide, with the aim of applying it to the business world.
The WBS method aims to break down work into several hierarchical levels, structures a project and identifies its architecture as a whole. A Work Breakdown Structure allows project managers to visualize and understand all the deliverables and tasks that have to be carried out, making sure that nothing is forgotten.
The WBS can take several forms:
- a flow chart (the most common form of WBS),
- a mind map,
- a list,
- a plan.
But regardless of the form chosen, the WBS method must show :
- the entire project, also known as the parent project;
- deliverables called child tasks;
- sub-deliverables called sub-tasks;
- the tasks at the lowest level, called "work packages" or "work units".
Here is a free WBS template: