Methods for Organizing a WBS

  • Components, or product breakdown

  • Chronological, or sequential flow

  • Functional disciplines

  • Organizational units

  • Geographical areas

    Cost accounts

    Configuration characteristics

    Deliverables

    Purpose or functions

    Subsystems of the product or project

    Schedule milestones

  • Phases

 

Are there any fixed principles
for subdividing the WBS?
(continued)
Here are several possible methods for subdividing and organizing a WBS. You could use different methods at different levels, if needed. Unless dictated otherwise by your organization or the customer, anything goes as long as you cover the total scope of work, and the WBS reflects the way that your team intends to execute the project.

The methods marked with a bullet box are the more common WBS categories.