Work Breakdown Structure
Example of aWork breakdown structureapplied in a NASA reporting structure.
[20]
TheWork Breakdown Structure (WBS) is atree structure, which shows a subdivision of effortrequired to
achieve an objective; for example a program, project, andcontract. The WBS may
behardware, product, service,or process oriented.A WBS can be developed by starting with the end
objective and successively subdividing it intomanageable components in terms of size, duration, and
responsibility (e.g., systems, subsystems,components, tasks, subtasks, and work packages), which
include all steps necessary to achievethe objective.
[17]
The Work Breakdown Structure provides a common framework for the natural development of the
overall planning and control of a contract and is the basis for dividing work into definableincrements
from which the statement of work can be developed and technical, schedule, cost,and labor hour
reporting can be established.
[20]
[edit] Project Management Framework