Create the WBS by using the gathered data and following these guidelines:
- Prepare the WBS showing high-level activities for the major subprojects and major work products. One of the most common ways to do this is to write each of the activities on small sheets of note paper and attach the sheet of paper to the wall. The advantage of doing this is that you can easily move the notes as needed.
- Refine the structure using iterative decomposition.
- Decompose to the level of manageable and trackable work packages.
- Include project support work products such as project management status reports and QA reports.
- Add activities for risk reduction and risk management.
- Ensure that the WBS contains all the work for the entire project. Include all the activities that will add costs to the project.
- Involve your team members in the development of the WBS because you will not be able to provide all of the information yourself.
- Refine the structure iteratively on each level. Try several alternatives for each level.
- Ensure that the work packages that are the lowest level of the WBS are assigned as the responsibility of one project organizational unit or individual.
Review the WBS with others to get their agreement as follows:
- Review the WBS with appropriate stakeholders.
- Receive support from the personnel who are responsible for work packages.
Questions to Consider
Ask the following questions as you are developing or reviewing the WBS:
- As changes occur, how will the WBS be revised?
- How will the WBS be stored and distributed?
- What numbering system will be used?
- How will any software used affect the WBS?
- How will overhead be handled?
- How will risk and risk management be handled?
- How will subcontracting be handled?
- Are project management elements complete?
- Can you assign responsibility to an organization or individual?
- Do you have support from the personnel who are responsible?
- Can elements be verified?
- Can acceptance criteria be defined?
- Can performance be monitored?
- Can you capture cost information?