{"id":5647,"date":"2017-05-25T00:01:22","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T04:01:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/?p=5647"},"modified":"2026-04-21T13:22:15","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T17:22:15","slug":"work-breakdown-structure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mgrush.com\/blog\/work-breakdown-structure\/","title":{"rendered":"Work Breakdown Structure Increases Focus and Reduces Scope Creep"},"content":{"rendered":"

Experienced facilitators understand both the challenge and value of getting a group to focus on the same thing at the same time. For most project-related meetings, Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) provides a simple method to increase focus. According to Goldblatt\u2019s Triple Constraint Theory, mitigate risk through focused discussion on the cost, schedule, and scope of discrete portions of the project rather than the entire project at once.<\/h2>\n

Work Breakdown Structure represents a method that groups the project\u2019s distinct work elements to help organize and define<\/a> the total work scope of the project. While many experts suggest that a WBS element may be a product, data, a service, or any combination; at a detailed level strive to use verbs, and terms that represent the work and activity that needs to be completed. Work Breakdown Structure also provides framework for detailed cost estimating<\/a> and control along with providing guidance for schedule development and control. Additionally WBS enables the project manager<\/a> or product owner<\/a> to dynamically revise and update as needed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each descending level of the Work Breakdown Structure represents an increasingly detailed definition of the project work. Note this illustrative WBS for building a house. Break work down into separate elements, the total sum of which represents all the work necessary to build the house.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Work Breakdown Structure – House Construction<\/strong><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n

In summary, the Work Breakdown Structure:<\/span><\/p>\n