I naturally want to use verbs in my Work Breakdown Structure (WBS), but it’s wrong! A WBS is a deliverable-oriented hierarchy of the work to be done on a project. The Project Management Institute’s Practice Standard for Work Breakdown Structures states that the WBS elements are to be defined using adjectives and nouns, but not verbs. So for my recent project of making a gingerbread house, I have the tendency to want to have components that state “bake gingerbread,” “make royal frosting,” and “buy fun-looking candies” and turn my WBS into an organized to-do list. But again, this is a bad WBS form and should be avoided. The correct way would be to have “gingerbread house” at the top level and the next level be “gingerbread,” “frosting,” “candy,” “house frame,” and “recipe.” (Note that although this was an actual project, I do not actually make a WBS or any other project management documents for small, recreational activities!) It can help to remember that the WBS is a set of DELIVERABLES, not the actions or to-do list required to bring those deliverables into existence.
Paul
March 22, 2010
Great example. “Gingerbread” is a deliverable and works for your WBS. “Bake Gingerbread” will work, but has problems:
How do you know when you have completed the action? There is more ambiguity with the verb than with the noun. Look at the hypothetical Activity List for this Work Package->
1. Gather Ingredients
2. In a large bowl, mix ingredients
3. Refrigerate dough for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
4. Roll out the dough. Cut into desired shapes. Place cookies onto ungreased baking sheets.
5. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until cookies appear dry in the center.
6. Set on cooling racks and cool for 10 minutes.
7. Package and ship.
When is the gingerbread done? Your team member could report back to the group at the end of step 5, that the gingerbread is done. Or what if the gingerbread is lost in the mail? It is much better to have a noun. It is clear to all involved that the gingerbread is the deliverable and has to be delivered.
Sounds silly, but I have lots of real world experience with miscommunication on the status of project deliverables.
lhilkemann
March 23, 2010
I like all your added details! Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.