Tim FowlkesGlobal Release & Systems Integration Manager| CitigroupRiverview, Fl, United States
What is the advantage of creating a graphically illustrated WBS versus just using MS Project to enter the data and indenting under each category of deliverables ? Can anyone recommend a tool or excel template for creating graphic representations of WBS
Structures ? Saving Changes...
The advantage is that some people (like me) think more visually than textually. Both methods achieve the same results. The only thing I would say is that the WBS can be summarized in a similar way as the hammock method is in gantt charts, for presentations to a group of people or senior management (especially program/portfolio managers) who may fall asleep looking at a text representation of the WBS.
You can try Lucidchart or Visio for a graphical representation of the WBS. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
The best tool is to use a blackboard and pos-it working with all the team.If you are working with virtual teams like me you will find tools for free that will help you to simulate that. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Visual, structured, and organized representations of information can help others absorb the micro and macro picture. Another reason why mind maps can be so helpful. Saving Changes...
Deepesh RammoorthyICT Project Manager ( PMP®AgilePM®Certified ScrumMaster® (CSM®))| Australian Red Cross Blood ServiceTarneit, Vic, Australia
graphically illustrated WBS versus just using MS Project -
Allows you to view a Hierarchical decomposition of Work ,
Allows you to structure work according to Milestones, Project Phases, Departments in your project .
Prevents work from slipping through the Cracks
Helps you to think of risks at every level in the Work Break Down Structure
Enables you to estimate work , resources , time and Risk at the Work Package Level.
Enables team engagement in the decomposition activity .
Provides an easy way of explaining the work of the project to Management
Enables you to capture 100% scope of Project work
All these advantages are as per the PMBOK guide but I have seen it in action in all the work that I do in my projects.
Visio is very helpful to quickly create WBS and I don't need anything more sophisticated than that. Saving Changes...
Tim:
Who is the WBS going to be presented to? There are many tools to create a WBS like most MS Office tools, Visio, camera and white board, and /or just white board and sticky notes. The WBS has a purpose and benefits that Deepesh mentions but many skip this step.
Ask questions, understand what is required and make sure you pick the right fit of tools, technical and approach for your respective project. Saving Changes...
