Work Breakdown Structure

The process of team selection begins with breaking down the project into major work packages, or bundles of jobs to be performed to accomplish one piece of work. For example, site preparation, foundation preparation, and erecting the steel for a building's framework are some of the work packages for a building construction project. To be sure that no work packages are left out, the project manager should query others who have “been there,” or people familiar with this type of construction.

When every work package is known, the project manager should make a list of all the work packages. The entire process of identifying and listing work packages is known as “developing the work breakdown structure.” The work breakdown structure process is used for every project, regardless of its size or breadth.