Understanding the program WBS

A program WBS is a hierarchical and incremental itemization of a project into phases, deliverables, and work packages. In Teamcenter, it is represented by a tree structure that shows the subdivision of effort required to achieve an objective. In a project or contract, the WBS is developed by starting with the end objective and successively subdividing it into manageable components in terms of size, duration, and responsibility, for example, systems, subsystems, components, tasks, subtasks, and work packages. The WBS includes all the steps necessary to achieve the objective.

(The source page includes a graphic showing part of a WBS for an aircraft system — not reproduced here as it is an image.)

Each element of a program WBS contains:

• The technical requirement for the WBS element.
• The product structure node (logical or physical) for the WBS element.
• The integrated master plan (IMP) criteria that are satisfied by the completion of the WBS element.
• The work needed for the completion of the WBS element. Each work package for the WBS element should include the following information:
  • The functional organization responsible for the work
  • Base cost estimate for the work
  • Risk and opportunity cost for the work
  • Standard processes or policies and procedures for the work
  • The predecessor WBS work packages that must be executed before this WBS work package.