Project managers use what is called a work breakdown structure to keep projects organized 6 Project Management Tips You Can Use to Organize Your Life 6 Project Management Tips You Can Use to Organize Your Life Managing Projects it is the profession of getting things done. Our tips will help you apply a project manager's perspective, skills, and tools to organizing your own life. Read more . From the start-up phase to the final close, this valuable tool can lead to a successful project.
The work breakdown structure can have different designs; from an outline or list to a tabular view to a tree structure. For visual people, a tree structure makes more sense because it's basically a visual diagram that lets you see items at a quick glance. However, some people prefer lists over images, in which case an outline is the most useful layout.
Traditionally, the work breakdown structure has been a tool used by project managers to do exactly what its name suggests, break down a project into workable parts. Its hierarchical design divides the scope of a project into components in terms of size, duration, and responsibility. This outline helps create a project schedule by defining deliverables, resource allocation, and even cost.
This structure breaks your project down into small chunks for easier implementation and can be used in different ways, depending on the project or end product. A guidance document from ProjectConnections.com shows the different approaches to identifying the major components of your work breakdown structure.
With all this in mind, a work breakdown structure doesn't have to be complicated and can really help with most projects. The following examples may not follow the traditional approach to use this useful tool. However, for the sake of simplicity, for those who are interested in using this structure, and to break down and simplify a complex project, they are quite useful.
After you define the entire scope of your project, you'll identify the highest-level project components. These components can be phases, locations, or even actions as shown above, depending on your project. After selecting these items, you will advance to the next level below each component and continue to break down the project as much as possible. Not only does this help you identify everything that is needed for your project, but it will keep you on track by not forgetting anything.
A great project where a work breakdown structure can be useful is event planning. In this example, we are using a bachelorette party project with a tree structure that is broken down into phases. This can be a very useful way to drill down into what needs to be done when, from the beginning to the middle to the end of the entire event.
Now of course you can have a lot more elements to host an event, so this illustrates some basic components as an example. Imagine sitting down with friends participating in the Getting Started phase and going through each component together. Then for the planning phase, maybe each person is responsible for one piece. However, whether or not you split the work is up to you. But this phase-based tree structure is an easy way forward.
Another option that uses the tree structure usefully is to base it on objects as main components. This is a useful way to organize a project when you have multiple people planning the event. Each person can take one component and all the pieces that go with it. Organizing those components in the order they need to be completed makes it even easier.
Another great project to manage with a work breakdown structure is a home project. Whether you're remodeling your kitchen Home Remodeling:6 Websites to Learn the Basics Home Remodeling:6 Websites to Learn the Basics Do you prefer a subpar home? Or spend a little time and energy to make it a place that makes you smile when you walk through the door? Read More or landscape the garden Try Landscaping Ideas For Your Home With Showoff The Visualizer Try Landscaping Ideas For Your Home With Showoff The Visualizer Read More For this example, we'll display the breakdown in a list format with the main components as actions.
As you can see, the breakdown is still easy to read and nicely lists all the parts of the project. With each action as the main component, you can easily keep track of what needs to be done. Again, you probably have many different or additional components to your project, but this just shows the basic structure.
Another option using the list layout is to use locations as main components which work well when different physical areas of your project are needed. As you can see, the yard's location breakdown structure organizes it in such a way that work can be divided by person or simply to know what activities need to be done where.
If you don't want to create a work breakdown structure, there are some great websites that offer templates. Project Management Doc has a template with a Word document, Project Management Advisor has one with Excel An Excel template for every occasion An Excel template for every occasion Skip the learning curve and get your life in order with the power of Excel templates . We've compiled a selection of auto-updating templates for tracking budgets, managing projects, and more. Read More When all else fails, using a simple pencil and paper to draw a tree structure or list format works just as well for some.
A work breakdown structure doesn't have to be intimidating to use, as you can see. And, you don't have to follow any strict rules. It really just comes down to the best way to manage your home or personal project. Depending on your style, visual or written, or your project, large or small, using this technique helps ensure that your project is well organized, which helps keep you on track.
When it comes to projects you have to work on, whether it's an event, a home project, or something else entirely, how do you organize them? Simple Time and Project Management Strategies You Can Use at Home Simple Time and Project Management Strategies You Can Use at Home Are you looking forward to making changes in your life? Whatever it is you'd like to accomplish, treat it like a project and complete it with our exercises to increase your chances of success. Read more ? Have you tried this tool and had success with it? Or, maybe you did and didn't even realize it. Even more, maybe use an online tool 10 Unique Uses of Trello Other than Project Management 10 Unique Uses of Trello Other than Project Management Trello is a list lover's delight. His Kanban-style approach was not intended just for project management. Don't you believe us? Check out these ten unique uses of Trello. Read more . Feel free to share your thoughts with us below!
