WBS Diagram for a Family Event: Younger Sister’s Birthday
WBS Principles: Short Summary
Though often viewed as simplistic, the Work Breakdown Structure, or WBS, allows for an easy identification of the key objectives and the definition of the key stages of a certain project. When it comes to defining the key characteristics of the WBS approach, one must mention the creation of a hierarchical map first (Meredith & Mantel 2012). As a result, the relationship between the final deliverable, i.e.., the project to be completed, and the sub deliverables, i.e., its key stages, can be defined. Linked logically, the key processes that a specific WBS involves are supposed to address the key goal and allow one to attain it successfully (A guide to the project management body of knowledge 2000).
In order to implement the project based on the principles of the WBS, one must bear the difference between an activity and a deliverable in mind. While the latter is traditionally referred to as the action that has specific and tangible consequences, a deliverable has none. More importantly, a deliverable does not consume either financial resources or time. To be more exact, the very concept of WBS presupposes that the key deliverable of the project should be decomposed to sub deliverables and then to a specific activity.
Therefore, the structure of a WBS is rather basic. Nevertheless, the approach seems to have been enjoying rather wide popularity among a range of organizations recently. Though it might have minor problems, it is evidently helpful in outlining the key steps to be taken in order to accomplish a specific task. Innovative and involving a pragmatic approach, the WBS system is perfect for planning events of all types (Haugan 2002, p. 89), as well as creating a strategy for attaining a specific goal.
Reference List
A guide to the project management body of knowledge. 2000. Web.
Haugan, G T 2002, Effective work breakdown structures, Management Concepts Inc., Vienna, VA.
Meredith, J R & Mantel, S J 2012, Project management: a managerial approach, 8th edn, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, NJ.