Collective Wisdom from the Experts 141
further into the activities and milestones necessary to ensure that it is done
efficiently and with quality processes. Each assignee for a work package, the
lowest level of work, should create his or her own smaller project plan portion
that will flow back into the master schedule.
The WBS then becomes the backbone for all other planning, executing, moni-
toring, and controlling functions within the project. It also serves as a suc-
cinct communication tool for those both internal and external to the project.
A graphic representation of a WBS is a picture of the project solution. Once
that picture is completed, the detailed planning, scheduling, and budgeting
can begin. How can you plan, budget, and schedule before you have clearly
defined the work of the project?
The WBS is also invaluable as a brainstorming tool. With a graphic representa-
tion that displays the entirety of the project, it’s easy to spot omissions, redun-
dancies, or fertile pockets of work that could easily be enhanced to leverage
the value of the project. To identify potential risks (both internal and external),
look at each portion of the WBS.
A little time up front to get a clear work breakdown structure that is prepared,
understood, and agreed upon among all stakeholders is a recipe for project
excellence.