Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Definition

The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total project scope into progressively smaller deliverables, ending at work packages (the lowest level). The WBS + WBS dictionary + project scope statement together form the scope baseline. The 100% Rule requires the WBS to include 100% of the project scope — no more, no less. In adaptive projects, the product backlog serves as the equivalent of the WBS.

Related concepts

• Scope Domain
• Integrated Baseline
• Requirements Documentation
• Planning

Exam angle

• WBS is deliverable-oriented, not activity-oriented: activities belong in the activity list and schedule; the WBS shows WHAT will be produced, not HOW
• 100% Rule: the WBS must capture 100% of project scope — anything not in the WBS is out of scope; anything in scope must appear in the WBS
• Work packages: the lowest level of the WBS; activities are decomposed FROM work packages, not shown in the WBS itself
• Adaptive equivalent: in agile, the product backlog replaces the WBS as the scope decomposition tool

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