Project decomposition: Why should you do WBS?

Table of contents

Project decomposition is an important tool
What exactly is project decomposition?
The benefits of project decomposition
The downsides and challenges of WBS
1. Getting too detailed
2. Managing group dynamics
3. Treating WBS like a schedule
Master decomposition project management

Project decomposition is an important tool

Taking the time to do your decomposition allows you to work efficiently throughout your project from the initiation phase right through to its closure. WBS in project management is key in organizing the team’s work into manageable chunks. The sole tool used is called project decomposition.

What exactly is project decomposition?

Project decomposition is a technique used to break deliverables progressively into smaller and smaller components. The WBS is the top layer encompassing the decomposition.

Each layer provides a further breakdown of the layer above. PMBOK® defines WBS as “A hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.”

Work Breakdown Structure in Easy Project

The benefits of project decomposition

The Work Breakdown Structure allows you to identify tasks in their granular form. When the work packages are clearly identified, they allow you to:

• Produce more accurate time and cost estimates
• Clarify the scope
• Help to identify and contain risks
• Have more control when executing the project
• Create a more accurate plan
• Have a better understanding of the impact when there is a change in scope
• Utilize cost estimates for future projects
• Influence future WBS

The downsides and challenges of WBS

Despite the numerous benefits, you need to be aware of some of the downsides and challenges you can encounter while working through your decomposition such as:

1. Getting too detailed

As you are decomposing the scope, getting too detailed bring efficiencies. It will only result in wasted time and unnecessary consumption of resources. you need to determine the right amount of detail to include.

There are ways to determine the degree of decomposition. Ask yourself:

• Are the work packages small enough to determine cost, time and schedule?
• Are you and the team satisfied with the level of detail for the work packages?
• Is the work package small enough to assign to a resource?

Project decomposition in Easy Project

2. Managing group dynamics

The WBS is a team activity that requires strong facilitation skills to keep the team on track and encourage participation. If a team member does not feel comfortable sharing their ideas, you could lose some important information.

3. Treating WBS like a schedule

The WBS provides the detailed information required to meet the project’s goals and objectives. It is not a plan or schedule but a visual representation of the project that can be shared with stakeholders.

The WBS is a key component of the project management structure. The decomposition is key in supporting the creation of the WBS and has a direct influence on the overall structure of your project. Taking the time to create a WBS helps to reduce the likelihood of missed work while bringing the project to completion.

WBS in Easy Project

Master decomposition project management

Break your projects into manageable pieces, avoid scope surprises, and deliver with clarity. Still hesitating?

Read a project management case study of Promatech company using WBS to unify project planning across teams, ensuring every employee follows a clear, shared structure. 

For Kiepe Electric, project decomposition played a key role in improving transparency and efficiency across departments, helping them deliver more with fewer delays. 

Turn project decomposition even of the most complex projects into a step-by-step plan your whole team understands—try it for free with Easy Project software!