Work Breakdown Structure Examples (WBS) for Various Project Management Cases
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a popular system used to represent the project’s scope and deliverables in a hierarchical way. Project managers should have a graphical work breakdown structure example at hand to be always ready to customize it for any case.
This post describes some real-life WBS examples that deconstruct project processes in various spheres into manageable parts.
There are several ways to represent a WBS. For example, a tree view and a horizontal hierarchical list that is effectively visualized by an online Gantt chart.
Businesses all over the world apply both approaches to divide complex projects to get things done faster.
Now let’s consider some common samples from different industries and spheres that will allow you to pick up the best WBS example.
What is important to consider when choosing a work breakdown structure example
Trying to find the best example of a work breakdown structure in project management, you should spend some time experimenting and see which chart performs best. The key is to visualize the hierarchy of your projects and make progress clear to everyone involved.
Imagine, you have a project that contains two major parts. These parts will include specific tasks subtasks that must be followed strictly one by one. These activities will also have their smaller hierarchy.
This PM example of a work breakdown structure can be easily visualized with the help of a handy Gantt diagram. Such a chart will involve both your project work hierarchy and a timeline. You will be able to link task dependencies, set project milestones, and track when each activity is supposed to start and end.
Let’s move now to the real-life examples of a work breakdown structure that you may use as references to plan your own projects.
WBS example for software development: creating a e-commerce website
A software development work breakdown structure example is one of the most popular cases in terms of using a WBS.
Imagine you need to develop an e-commerce app. It must be executed impeccably and clearly because there are so many rivals on the market. Therefore your WBS example must also be concise and detailed.
It’s up to you how to visualize such a structure: with the help of a classic tree view or using a Gantt diagram with numbering and a horizontal list hierarchy.
Anyway, your WBS will focus on:
- Project management.
- Analysis.
- Design.
- Developing.
- Testing.
With the help of a Gantt chart, you will get a horizontal view of this WBS example:
WBS example for healthcare: repairing a hospital
Project managers who work in the healthcare area should choose a WBS type based on the specifics of the projects they manage.
Healthcare WBS formats emphasize different aspects of the correspondent projects.
Let’s say, you are a project manager who is responsible for overseeing the project of the City hospital renovation. Your main purpose is to create a detailed WBS for this project.
The structure will be broken down into the major wings of the complex, from the emergency room to the executive office.
Here’s how your WBS work breakdown structure example for a healthcare project will look like:
- Acute care.
- Critical care.
- Surgical wing.
- Support services.
- Administration.
All these complex and time consuming tasks can be visualized on a friendly Gantt diagram.
WBS example for construction: building a cottage
The main objective of the next WBS example is preparing a clear WBS, using a professional tool or even an Excel WBS template, if it suits.
Now let’s consider a work breakdown structure example for a construction project related to building a cottage.
This WBS example clearly demonstrates that all the project elements are listed under the WBS levels. The lowest levels show the project deliverables, and all tasks are grouped under these lowest levels.
- Level 1 is the entire project.
- Level 2 is the key stage of the project.
- Levels 3, 4, and 5 are the major and minor deliverables.
Here’re the parts of the possible WBS:
- Site preparation.
- Buying resources.
- Construction.
- Cleaning.
- Handover deliverable.
Look at how this example of a work breakdown structure for a construction project can be visualized on a Gantt chart.
WBS example for event planning: preparing a press-conference
The last example of a work breakdown structure relates to event planning.
From opening small exhibitions to conducting global trade shows, event planners put together a WBS chart for the activity event they plan.
A WBS helps them to coordinate planning, catering, decorating, entertainment, security, and much more.
The City hospital that was recently renovated now requires a good opening ceremony. Imagine that you are an event manager who needs to run a big press conference related to the opening of the hospital.
To start the conference, you will need a work breakdown structure. The tree-oriented WBS event example may look like this:
- Planning.
- Venue.
- Speakers.
- Marketing.
- Registration.
Don’t hesitate to consider the option of generating a WBS with the help of a Gantt chart.
Final words
A work breakdown structure is a robust PM tool that provides the base of successful project planning.
Understanding the concept of a WBS is extremely useful, especially if you want to get a PMP certification. That is why you should have an efficient work breakdown structure example at hand to be always ready to work with any project plan.
Use an online Gantt chart to succeed in building an effective WBS. The diagram will assist you in creating stunning work breakdown structures for
- Software development.
- Healthcare.
- Construction.
- Event planning, and many other spheres and professional areas.
Remember, the power of WBS lies in its versatility and adaptability to different aims. Discover it and get great project results!
Find more information in the full version of the article Work Breakdown Structure Examples (WBS) that You Can Use as References in 2022 https://blog.ganttpro.com/en/work-breakdown-structure-example-wbs/.
