create-work-breakdown-structure

Decompose project scope into a hierarchical set of work packages that can be estimated, assigned, and tracked. The WBS provides the foundation for effort estimation, resource planning, and schedule development by breaking down complex deliverables into manageable components.

Step 1: Extract Deliverables from Charter Read the project charter. List all deliverables and acceptance criteria. Group them into 3-7 top-level categories (these become WBS Level 1 elements).

Expected: List of Level 1 WBS elements matching charter deliverables.

Create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and WBS Dictionary from project charter deliverables. Covers hierarchical decomposition, WBS coding, effort estimation, dependency identification, and critical path candidates. Use after a project charter is approved, when planning a classic or waterfall project with defined deliverables, breaking a large initiative into manageable work packages, or establishing a basis for effort estimation and resource planning. Source: pjt222/development-guides.