Work breakdown structure (WBS)

Roles that need it

• Project Manager
• Project Manager (Banking)
• PMO Analyst
• Programme Manager

Skills it belongs to

• Project planning and dependencies
• Effort estimation and capacity planning

Related concepts

• Critical pathThe critical path is the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project schedule; it sets the earliest possible end date. Any delay to a task on it delays the whole project, while tasks off the path have slack (float).
• Scope creepScope creep is the gradual, uncontrolled growth of a project's scope through small additions that bypass the change request process. It erodes budget and timeline because extra work is added without extra time or money.
• Earned value management (EVM)Earned value management measures project performance by comparing planned value, the value of work actually completed (earned value) and actual cost. It gives schedule and cost variances and indices (SPI, CPI) that show whether a project is ahead, behind or over budget.

Sources

• PMBOK Guide and standards, Project Management Institute (external site) accessed 31 Oct 2026

Updated 31 Oct 2026.