Download these Free Work Breakdown Structure Templates in MS Word Format to help you prepare your Work Breakdown Structure easily.
When it comes to projects, especially large ones, estimation alone is not sufficient. To successfully deliver what is expected, it is crucial to understand the client’s vision for the final product, the team’s available time, and the key milestones of the project. By dividing a large project into smaller milestones, the completion time and costs can be more accurately estimated. A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is one of the most common tools used by project managers. This document explicitly defines the project’s scope, its deliverables, and the timeline to complete the final product. Unlike a Scope of Work document, which focuses on how the deliverables will be achieved, a WBS concentrates on what needs to be delivered.
Key Reasons to Use Brief Work Breakdown Structure:
- It allows calculating the almost exact cost of the project
- It helps define how each part is dependent on others
- It creates a specific timeline and required duration for completion
- It helps create the Scope of the Work document
- It allows the team manager to estimate the required manpower
- It successfully distributes the load of work
- Assigning specific responsibilities with a work breakdown structure is easy
- Throughout the project, it can provide help in checking the progress level
- It can point out the risks and hurdles in the initial stage
Free Work Breakdown Structure Templates
Here are preview and download links for these Free Work Breakdown Structure Templates in MS Word Format,
Guidelines to Create Work Breakdown Structure:
When it comes to Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), there are various methods available, but two of the most popular are the tree structure and the tabular structure. As the name suggests, the tree structure visualizes the breakdown like a tree, with various branches stemming from the main trunk. The trunk represents the full project, each large branch signifies a subcategory, and the smaller branches represent individual workloads. Conversely, the tabular structure is organized into a table format, with the first column listing the project name, the second detailing important categories, and the third describing the workloads within each category. Depending on your specific needs and requirements, you can choose either method.
Gather Input Data and Relevant Details:
To begin creating a WBS, you need various elements and an understanding of each component. You can either gather detailed information about each component or simply refer to the project scope document. This document outlines the key objectives, main deliverables, costs, estimated timelines, expected outcomes, and acceptance criteria of the project. Understanding the features and components of the final product is crucial before starting the WBS.
Define Key Deliverables and Their Components:
At this stage, having selected a WBS method—either the tree or tabular—you should have a clear understanding of the project and the intended end product. Begin by placing the project name at the top of the structure. Then, create subcategories for significant milestones and connect these to the top box with lines. Subdivide each milestone into smaller, manageable work assignments. It is essential to first identify dependencies among tasks and then organize the workloads according to these dependencies.
Divide Assignments Among Team Members:
Now that you have a comprehensive view of the project’s components, how they are categorized, and their placement in the structure, the WBS is complete. The next step is to assign each workload to either individual team members or entire teams, depending on the size of the tasks. This approach ensures that every team member clearly understands their role in the project execution and can request further clarifications if necessary.
