Simplify your big tasks
Use this template to visualize your project and break it down into smaller tasks and deliverables so that you can complete your project efficiently and effectively.
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical structure that outlines the project scope and breaks down the work into smaller, more manageable components. It organizes and defines the project deliverables, individual tasks and sub-tasks, and project needs, providing a visual and structural framework for understanding the project's work elements.
To use the Mural work breakdown structure template with your team, follow the steps outlined below.
The first step in using the work breakdown structure template is to define the scope of work for your overall project. What departments, teams, and people will be involved? What are the main areas of focus? Include any relevant dates here to guide the project schedule.
Use the second section of the template to map out the different phases of development, including any project tasks relevant to those phases below (e.g., if you have a ‘Planning’ phase, you may want to have tasks below like ‘Cost/benefit analysis’).
What are the project processes and jobs to be done for each phase? Include the tasks specific to each work package that will ladder up to the overall goals of the phase.
Here, the Mural breaks it down into tasks and subtasks — for example, if you have an activity tied to deploying a product, you may have subtasks that should be included, such as ‘Create environments,’ or ‘Build apps.’
Be sure to include the project needs associated with each work package. This will ensure you have the necessary resources for each project phase.
To get the most out of your work breakdown structure session, you should:
In project management, a work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical representation of the project scope that breaks down the work into smaller, more manageable components. It organizes and defines the project deliverables, tasks, workflows, and sub-tasks, providing a visual and structural framework for understanding the project's work elements.
The WBS helps project managers and team members to better plan, execute, monitor, and control the project by providing a clear and organized view of the project's scope and its interdependencies.
A work breakdown structure (WBS) and a project plan are two distinct but interrelated components in project management. While they serve different purposes, they complement each other to ensure successful project execution. Here's a breakdown of their differences:
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
Project Plan
In summary, the WBS is primarily concerned with breaking down the project scope into manageable components, while the project plan focuses on the detailed execution, scheduling, resource allocation, and control aspects of the project. The WBS sets the foundation for organizing the work, while the project plan provides the operational and tactical guidance for carrying out the work according to the defined structure.
Mural is the only platform that offers both a shared workspace and training on the LUMA System™, a practical way to collaborate that anyone can learn and apply.