book

The Government Manager's Guide to the Work Breakdown Structure

by Gregory T. Haugan

July 2013

Intermediate to advanced

120 pages

2h 35m

English

Berrett-Koehler Publishers

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Project Management Terms and DefinitionsThe Project Problem and SolutionThe WBS in the Project Management ProcessBackground of the WBS ConceptThe WBS in the Government Sector versus the WBS in the Private Sector
Developing a WBSThe 100 Percent RuleAnatomy of a WBSProject Management Elements in the WBS
WBS Element DescriptionsWBS DictionaryWork PackagesAppropriate Level of DetailUse of the WBS to Develop ActivitiesInputs versus Outputs: Resources versus DeliverablesNumbering the WBSAlternate Structure ConceptsOther Categorizations

Generic MethodologyScope ManagementTime ManagementCost ManagementCommunicationsProcurement ManagementRisk Management
Generic LifecycleA Lifecycle WBS Example
WBS PrinciplesSteps in Developing a Project WBSChecklist for Reviewing the WBSDoD Recommendations for Avoiding Pitfalls

Overview

The Government Manager's Guide to the Work Breakdown Structure

The work breakdown structure (WBS) is a cornerstone of managing any project. Every government manager should understand how to construct a WBS in the project or program lifecycle. This quick reference presents the fundamental WBS principles, pragmatic steps for the government manager to follow in developing a project WBS, and a checklist for the project manager to use in reviewing a WBS. In addition, DOD recommendations for avoiding pitfalls in constructing a WBS are highlighted.