WBS instructions?

[IT-PM]

Has anybody some instructions/documents/templates how to create a WBS in an effective way?

[harrywaldron]

Below are some of the general steps in WBS:

1. Look at the overall mission and define what you will and will not do
2. Then identify all the MAJOR things you need to do from start to finish
3. Keep brainstorming on the MAJOR things and THINK OF EVERYTHING, as there are always hidden tasks
4. A best approach also includes finding others who will be involved in the project and go over your list with them (e.g., another PM or fellow members of your team).
5. Then take the MAJOR tasks and sequence them.
6. Now take EACH MAJOR task and define the subtasks that make it up.
7. Brainstorm some more and go over this and sometimes a new MAJOR task will surface where you go back to step 2 or 5 again
8. The more quality time you devote to planning the better your project will flow ... Planning is your friend in anything you do in life

[athelstan]

Great book to buy that will help you with creating WBS in effective way is entitled "Effective Work Breakdown Structures". Author is Gregory T Haugan. Sold by ManagementConcepts.com