WBS Project Management Template XLS

The WBS project management template provides a structural view of the project. It is a very essential tool for planning and executing the project. Use the work breakdown structure (WBS) to define the work for the project and to develop the project schedule. It can be used to add fields in the MS Project to provide more detailed information on each component of the WBS – then export the dictionary directly from the Project. It provides a good set of the WBS examples. Whether you are new to project management and working on your PMP certification and been doing project management for the many years, you are sure to find help in the projects. You may also like Project Management Timeline Template.

Table of Contents

Key Benefits of Work Breakdown Structure Template

Breaks project down it into manageable components
Includes list view of the work breakdown structure
Includes the diagram of work breakdown structure
Saves time on the formatting
Easy-to-use the Excel format

According to project management, the body of the knowledge the work breakdown structure is the decomposition of the total scope of the work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish project objectives and to create required deliverables.

In the tree structure of the WBS, project deliverable s and activities are broken down in manageable parts, making it very easier to estimate required resources and the costs, create a realistic schedule, and control each stage of the project. Work breakdown structure is especially useful for the bigger projects that involve in the many elements. You may also see the Risk Management Plan Template.

To save the time and to facilitate of the process for creating the work breakdown structure, we have compiled the several templates that are free to download. With the preformatted structure of the template, you can easily streamline the decomposition process and to ensure that all the necessary details are included.

A template provides the foundation to work from that can easily be modified to simply suit the needs of the project. In addition, offering to Microsoft Word and the Excel templates below, the Smart sheet allows you to create the customized work breakdown structure excel template with enhanced collaboration features for better efficiency and team communication.

The WBS breaks down the data, services, the product, and all three depending on the type and the scope of the project. It can be oriented around the deliverables, and to break down the project phases and to milestones for the process-centered approach. The process of subdividing the project into smaller components is called the decomposition.

The decomposition can be completed by an entire project team as a group effort to ensure a comprehensive WBS. This will give all the team members to a broad understanding of the project, improving communication, efficiency, and accountability.

Additional Reading: What is a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) (link)

The number of the levels required for the WBS project management template will depend on the characteristics of the project, but the levels must be sufficient to meet the project manager’s needs for accurately estimating and effective project monitoring.

In a similar vein, the level of the detail will vary, but one the option is to follow the 8/80 rule, which means that the lowest level of the work should require between the eight and 80 hours. Based on this rule, if the work package takes more than 80 hours, it needs to be decomposed further. You should also check the Project Manager Resume Template.