Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

The task can seem very intimidating when we are first given a project. How do we start? Where should we direct our efforts? According to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) delineates the individual building blocks that will construct the project.

1) Consider the case of a large hospital that has made the decision to introduce an organization-wide information technology (IT) system for billing, accounts receivable, patient record keeping, personnel supervision, and medical process control.

2) Identify the important elements in launching this large installation project by identifying the first-level (highest), level 2 (major project components), and possibly level 3 (supporting deliverables) tasks or steps involved in completing this project.

Example Below:

Main category 1

1.1 Subcategory

1.2 Subcategory

1.2.1 Sub-subcategory

1.2.2 Sub-subcategory

1.3 Subcategory

1.4 Subcategory

Main category 2

2.1 Subcategory

2.2 Subcategory

2.2.1 Sub-subcategory

2.2.2 Sub-subcategory

2.3 Subcategory

2.4 Subcategory

Main category 3

Subcategory

Subcategory

3.2.1 Sub-subcategory

3.2.2 Sub-subcategory

Subcategory

Subcategory

Main category 4

Subcategory

Subcategory

Sub-subcategory

Sub-subcategory

Subcategory

Subcategory