The standard for project management

Figure 5-12. Sample WBS Decomposed Down Through Work Packages

1.0

Value Management

System Project

1.1

Needs

Assessment

1.2

Standards

Development

1.3

Systems

Engineering 

1.4

Project

Management

The WBS is illustrative only. It is not intended to represent the full project scope of any specific project, 

nor to imply that this is the only way to organize a WBS on this type of project.

1.1.1.1

Components

Identification

1.1.2.1

Gap

Assessment

1.1.3.1

Alternatives

Identification

1.1.4

System Requirements

Development

1.1.3

Alternatives

Development

1.1.2

Requirements

Determination

1.1.1

Current System

Audit

1.1.1.2

Components

Analysis

1.1.2.2

Requirements

Changes Identification

1.1.3.2

Alternatives

Analysis

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A WBS structure may be created through various approaches. Some of the popular methods include the top-down 

approach, the use of organization-specific guidelines, and the use of WBS templates. A bottom-up approach can be used 

to group subcomponents. The WBS structure can be represented in a number of forms, such as:

u

u

Using phases of the project life cycle as the second level of decomposition, with the product and project 

deliverables inserted at the third level, as shown in Figure 5-13;

u

u

Using major deliverables as the second level of decomposition, as shown in Figure 5-14; and

u

u

Incorporating subcomponents that may be developed by organizations outside the project team, such as 

contracted work. The seller then develops the supporting contract WBS as part of the contracted work.