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Work Breakdown Structure

The document discusses work breakdown structures (WBS), which are used to break down projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. A WBS decomposes a project goal into individual components, subcomponents, activities, and tasks in a hierarchical structure. This allows project managers to estimate timelines, costs, and resource requirements for each task. The document provides examples of how to create WBS for projects in different sectors like defense, aerospace, and automotive. It also includes tips for developing a thorough WBS to ensure all necessary tasks are identified.

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Deepak Kumar
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
295 views

Work Breakdown Structure

The document discusses work breakdown structures (WBS), which are used to break down projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. A WBS decomposes a project goal into individual components, subcomponents, activities, and tasks in a hierarchical structure. This allows project managers to estimate timelines, costs, and resource requirements for each task. The document provides examples of how to create WBS for projects in different sectors like defense, aerospace, and automotive. It also includes tips for developing a thorough WBS to ensure all necessary tasks are identified.

Uploaded by

Deepak Kumar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PPT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Work Breakdown Structure

Dr. Ranjan Ghosh


Former Professor of
IIM Calcutta, IIM Bangalore & IIT Kgp

Work Breakdown Structure Why?


Key Questions asked by Project Managers
What must we do to achieve our goals?
How long will it take?
What will it cost

Work Breakdown Structure


Using work breakdown structure to subdivide complex
tasks into many smaller tasks.
Estimating time and resource requirements for each
task
You can decompose the project goal into the many
tasks required to achieve it. The time and money
needed to complete those tasks can then be estimated.
This approach helps project managers answer these
key questions

Work Breakdown Structure


A method of breaking down a project into individual
elements ( components, subcomponents, activities and
tasks) in a hierarchical structure which can be scheduled
and cost
It defines tasks that can be completed independently of
other tasks, facilitating resource allocation, assignment of
responsibilities and measurement and control of the project
It is foundation of project planning
It is developed before identification of dependencies and
estimation of activity durations
It can be used to identity the tasks in the Network Diagram

Work Breakdown Structure


In the context of Projects in the Defense sector, this term is defined
as:
A product-oriented family tree composed of hardware, software,
services, data, and facilities.
A WBS displays and defines the product, or products, to be
developed and/or produced. It relates the elements of work to be
accomplished to each other and to the end product.
A WBS can be expressed down to any level of interest. However
the top three levels are as far as any program or contract need go
unless the items identified are high cost or high risk. Then, and
only then, is it important to take the work breakdown structure to
a lower level of definition.

Tips for doing WBS


Many projects run off track because project team members fail to
identify all the tasks and subtasks. Here are a few tips for getting
your WBS right:
Start with the top-most tasks and work downward.
Involve the people who will have to do the work. They are
in the best position to know what is involved with every job and
how those jobs can be decomposed into manageable pieces. The
project manager and appropriate team members should analyze
every task to determine whether all are necessary and whether
some can be redesigned to make them faster and less costly to
complete.
Check your work by looking at all the subtasks and seeing whether
they add up to the highest-level tasks. Remember, you dont want
to miss anything.

Work Breakdown Structure


A Work Breakdown
Structure decomposes a
project into
Activities and tasks.

Mission
Project Goal
Statement

Level 1
Objective
Major Step

Objective
Major Step

Objective
Major Step

Level 2
Activity

Activity

Activity

Activity

Activity

Level 3
Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Task

Example
Work Breakdown Structure
Mission

This would encompass


the entirety of the
Project

Project Goal
Statement

Objective
Major Step

Activity

Task

Task

Objective
Major Step

Activity

Task

Task

Activity

Task

Objective
Major Step

Activity

Task Task

Activity

Task Task

Task

Work Breakdown Structure for Computer Order


Processing System Project

Air Vehicle (Aircraft)


The complete flying aircraft includes:
airframe, propulsion, and all other installed equipment
design, development, and production of complete
unitsprototype and operationally configured units
which satisfy the requirements of their applicable
specifications, regardless of end use
Sub-elements to the air vehicle

Air Vehicle Level 2 Breakdown

Airframe
Propulsion
AV Applications Software
AV System Software
Communications/Identification
Navigation/Guidance
Central Computer
Fire Control
Data Display and Controls

Air Vehicle Level 2 Breakdown (cont)

Reconnaissance
Automatic Flight Control
Central Integrated Checkout
Antisubmarine Warfare
Armament
Weapons Delivery
Auxiliary Equipment

Airframe Level 3 Breakdown


The assembled structural and aerodynamic components
of the air vehicle that support subsystems essential to
designated mission requirements.
Includes, for example:
basic structurewing, empennage, fuselage, and associated
manual flight control system
rotary wing pylons, air induction system, thrust reversers, thrust
vector devices, starters, exhausts, fuel management, inlet control
system
alighting geartires, tubes, wheels, brakes, hydraulics, etc

Airframe Level 3 Breakdown (contd)


secondary power, furnishingscrew, cargo, passenger,
troop, etc.
instrumentsflight, navigation, engine, etc.
environmental control, life support and personal
equipment, racks, mounts, intersystem cables and
distribution boxes, etc., which are inherent to, and nonseparable from, the assembled structure
dynamic systemstransmissions, gear boxes,
propellers, if not furnished as an integral part of the
propulsion unit
rotor group and other equipment homogeneous to the
airframe

Propulsion Level 3 Breakdown


That portion of the air vehicle that pertains to installed
equipment (propulsion unit and other propulsion) to
provide power/thrust to propel the aircraft through all
phases of powered flight.
Includes, for example:
the engine as a propulsion unit within itself (e.g.,
reciprocating, turbo with or without afterburner, or
other type propulsion) suitable for integration with the
airframe.

Propulsion Level 3 Breakdown (cont)


thrust reversers, thrust vector devices, transmissions,
gear boxes, and engine control units, if furnished as
integral to the propulsion unit
other propulsion equipment required in addition to the
engine but not furnished as an integral part of the
engine, such as booster units
the design, development, production, and assembly
efforts to provide the propulsion unit as an entity.

Surface Vehicle

Hull/Frame
Suspension/Steering
Power Package/Drive Train
Auxiliary Automotive
Turret Assembly
Fire Control
Armament

Surface Vehicle Level 2 Breakdown

Hull/Frame
Suspension/Steering
Power Package/Drive Train
Auxiliary Automotive
Turret Assembly
Fire Control
Armament

Surface Vehicle Level 2 Breakdown (cont)

Body/Cab
Automatic Loading
Automatic/Remote Piloting
Nuclear, Biological, Chemical Protection
Special Equipment
Navigation
Communications

Hull/Frame Level 3 Breakdown


The vehicle's primary load bearing component which
provides the structural integrity to withstand the
operational loading stresses generated while traversing
various terrain profiles.
Includes, for example:
simple wheeled vehicle frame or combat vehicle hull
which satisfies the structural requirements and also
provides armor protection

Hull/Frame Level 3 Breakdown (cont)


structural subassemblies and appendages which attach
directly to the primary structure
towing and lifting fittings, bumpers, hatches, and
grilles
provision to accommodate other subsystems such as
mountings for suspension, weapons, turret, truck body,
cab, special equipment loads, etc.

Suspension/SteeringLevel 3 Breakdown
The means for generating tractive efforts, thrust, lift, and
steering forces generally at or near the earth's surface
and adapting the vehicle to the irregularities of the
surface.
Includes, for example:
wheels, tracks, brakes, and steering gears for traction
and control functions
rudder thrust devices and trim vanes for amphibians
springs, shock absorbers, skirts, and other suspension
members

Power Package/Drive Train


Level 3 Breakdown
The means for generating and delivering
power in the required quantities and
driving rates to the driving member.
Includes, for example:
engine-mounted auxiliaries such as air
ducting and manifolds, controls and
instrumentation, exhaust systems, and
cooling means

Power Package/Drive Train


Level 3 Breakdown (cont)
power transport components as clutches,
transmission, shafting assemblies, torque
converters, differentials, final drivers,
and power takeoffs
brakes and steering when integral to
power transmission rather than in the
suspension/ steering element

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