NGO & Project Management Technology · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 2: Planning and Scheduling · Lesson 1 of 3

Work Breakdown Structure

Divide the project into manageable pieces of work.

In this lesson you will

  • Create a work breakdown structure
  • Estimate durations

Key concepts

deliverableswork packagestasksestimates

The lesson

A work breakdown structure divides the project into deliverables, then work packages, then tasks.

Estimate durations with the people who will do the work, and add time for approvals.

Every task should belong to a deliverable; nothing is forgotten.

Step by step

  1. List deliverables.
  2. Break them into work packages.
  3. Break those into tasks.
  4. Estimate durations.

Practice activity

Build the WASH work breakdown.

Expected result: A complete breakdown with estimates.

Check your understanding

  1. What is a work package?

    Show answer

    A group of tasks producing part of a deliverable.

  2. Who should help estimate durations?

    Show answer

    The people who will do the work.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.