WBS as planning tool; importance of planning

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a planning tool

A WBS is a hierarchical, deliverable-oriented breakdown of the total project work into smaller and smaller parts (levels), down to work packages that can be estimated, scheduled, assigned and controlled. Level 1 is the project, level 2 the major parts, and the lowest level the work packages. Each element gets a code number.

House project
|-- 1 Site work
|     |-- 1.1 Clearing and layout
|     `-- 1.2 Excavation
|-- 2 Substructure
|     |-- 2.1 PCC and footing
|     `-- 2.2 Plinth beam and DPC
|-- 3 Superstructure
|     |-- 3.1 Columns and walls
|     `-- 3.2 Roof slab
`-- 4 Finishing
      |-- 4.1 Plastering
      |-- 4.2 Flooring, doors, windows
      `-- 4.3 Painting

How it works as a planning tool:

• The whole scope is covered, so no work is forgotten (100% rule).
• Each work package is given a duration, cost, resources and a responsible person.
• It is the starting point for the activity list, network diagram, bar chart, cost budget and responsibility matrix.
• Costs and progress of lower levels can be rolled up to higher levels for reporting.

Importance of project planning

• Gives clear direction and fixes the objectives, scope, time and cost targets.
• Foresees problems and reduces risk and uncertainty.
• Makes economical use of manpower, machines, materials and money.
• Improves coordination between designers, contractors, suppliers and the client.
• Provides the baseline for monitoring and control.
• Helps in arranging finance and cash flow in time.
• Reduces delay, cost overrun and rework.