10 Essential Steps to Master Work Breakdown Structure, WBS in Construction Management: Part 2
Introduction:
In our first blog article, we embarked on a journey into the world of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in Construction Management, covering the core principles and exploring the benefits of using a WBS in construction projects. Now, we dive deeper into this essential project management tool with a focus on creating a tailored WBS for construction projects and steering clear of common WBS mistakes.
In Part 1: Chapter 1 & 2, we learned the fundamental concepts of WBS and its benefits in construction management. From gaining clarity to efficient resource allocation, cost estimation, and risk identification, we established the importance of WBS in managing construction projects.
If you want to refer to the previous part of this series, you can read it here:
Part 1: 10 Steps to Master WBS in Construction Management: Part 1
Now in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4, we continue our exploration. Chapter 3 delves into the process of creating a tailored WBS. We discuss defining major project phases, breaking them down into tasks, and the importance of sub-tasks. Additionally, Chapter 4 explores common mistakes to avoid, such as overcomplicating the WBS and the significance of keeping it up to date.
Table of Contents
Chapter 3: Creating a Tailored WBS for Your Construction Project
Welcome back to our exploration of Work Breakdown Structure, WBS in construction management. In the previous parts, we’ve unraveled the core concepts of WBS and explored its remarkable benefits. Now, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and dive into the nitty-gritty of creating a WBS for your construction project.
Step 5: Creating a WBS
Effective project management demands precision. To create a WBS that fits your construction project like a glove, follow these steps:
5.1. Define Major Phases
“Start by defining the major phases of the project. These phases typically align with the project’s life cycle.”
In the world of construction, projects often follow a defined life cycle. It usually begins with planning, moves on to design, procurement, construction, and ends with closeout. These phases represent the major segments of the project. Defining them as the foundational elements of your WBS sets the stage for a structured approach.
5.2. Break Down Phases into Tasks
To further refine your WBS, each of these phases is divided into tasks. This is where your team members come into play. By involving them in this phase, you ensure that nothing is overlooked. Tasks are the building blocks of your project, and they need to be well-defined and assigned to the right people.
5.3. Continue to Sub-Tasks
“Continue breaking down tasks into sub-tasks until you have a comprehensive list of all work packages.”
Tasks aren’t the end of the line. They can often be complex and multifaceted, so it’s essential to continue breaking them down into sub-tasks or work packages. For instance, the electrical task may encompass wiring, fixture installation, safety checks, and more. By thoroughly breaking down the work into these smaller units, you gain a detailed view of what needs to be done.
5.4. Tailoring the WBS for Construction Projects
In construction, every project has its own unique demands. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario. Therefore, your WBS should be tailored to your specific project. Each project may have a different structure and sequence of tasks. For example, you might organize your WBS according to the construction phases, such as pre-construction, foundation, framing, services, and finishing. This tailored approach ensures that your WBS perfectly aligns with the intricacies of your project.
5.5. Keep It Up to Date
A WBS isn’t a static document; it’s a dynamic tool. As your project progresses and changes occur, make sure to keep your WBS up to date. New tasks may emerge, and others may be completed. Ensuring that your WBS reflects the real-time status of your project is crucial for effective project management.
Now that you’ve learned the essentials of creating a tailored WBS, you’re one step closer to mastering construction project management. In the next part, we’ll discuss common mistakes to avoid when working with WBS. These insights will help you steer clear of pitfalls and keep your project on the path to success.
In the next part where we’ll navigate the treacherous waters of common mistakes and learn how to avoid them, ensuring that your construction project stays on course.
Chapter 4: Steering Clear of Common WBS Mistakes
Welcome back to our expedition through the world of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in construction management. So far, we’ve dived into the core concepts of WBS, explored its benefits, and learned how to create a tailored WBS for your construction project. Now, it’s time to examine the common pitfalls and mistakes that can hinder your project’s progress.
Step 6: Common Mistakes to Avoid
While a well-structured WBS is a powerful asset, it’s essential to understand that not all WBS are created equal. To harness the full potential of this tool, steer clear of these common mistakes:
6.1. Overcomplicating the WBS
“Avoid creating a WBS that’s too detailed, which can become overwhelming and hard to manage.”
One of the most common mistakes in WBS creation is overcomplicating it. While detailed planning is essential, an excessively detailed WBS can lead to confusion and inefficiency. It’s like having too many road signs on a highway; you can get lost in the information overload. Strike a balance by keeping your WBS comprehensive but not overly detailed.
6.2. Missing Tasks
A missing task in your WBS can be a recipe for disaster. A comprehensive WBS should encompass every task, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. Missing tasks can lead to scope creep, where unaccounted work gradually expands the project’s scope, causing delays and budget overruns.
6.3. Failing to Update
Project progress doesn’t stand still, and neither should your WBS. It’s a dynamic tool that should evolve as your project advances. Failing to update it regularly can result in a misalignment between your plan and reality. It’s like navigating with an outdated map; you’ll likely end up off course.
Remember, a WBS is meant to be a reliable guide, so it’s crucial to maintain it accurately.
As we wrap up this part, it’s essential to keep these mistakes in mind. By understanding and avoiding them, you’ll ensure that your WBS remains a valuable asset throughout your construction project.
In the next part, we’ll discuss the significance of adaptability and continuous improvement in the context of WBS for construction projects. Stay tuned for more insights to master the art of Work Breakdown Structure in Construction Management.
Additional Reads:
This article on smartsheet.com provides an insight into WBS.
The article is about work breakdown structures, WBS in construction. A WBS is a hierarchical way of organizing a building project by dividing it into manageable chunks known as work packages. The WBS is a single document that project managers create to visually represent the construction project.
The WBS can be displayed in text and tables, and WBS software can translate this information into various formats and synchronize changes throughout. There are two dominant schools of thought on the best way to organize a WBS: by deliverable or by phase. A deliverable-oriented WBS revolves around tangible deliverables, not processes, and focuses on the tangible products of a project rather than on processes.
A phase-based WBS divides construction into steps or stages and focuses on the processes required to achieve the deliverables. The goal of a WBS in a construction project is to make the project more manageable by breaking it down into pieces that define the project scope and all deliverables in detail. The WBS also lays the groundwork for clear communication among all the stakeholders in the project.
The construction project work breakdown structure is a team effort, and major project participants, including architects, engineers, general contractors, financial managers, and owners, contribute to the WBS. If it interests you, the Article can be found here: Construction Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)
Stay tuned for the next part where we’ll explore adaptability and continuous improvement in the context of Work Breakdown Structure, essential for staying on the cutting edge of construction project management.