Work Breakdown Structure Examples
A common question you might ask is “where can I find work breakdown structure examples?” Sometimes, it’s nice to look over someone’s shoulder and have them show you.
In this video, you can get a feel for both the traditional WBS graphical representation and how to do the same thing with mind mapping software. I’m a big proponent of mind mapping software, I love it!
Check out the video!



Sep 2nd, 2008 at 1:14 pm
I was wondering if you thought PMI’s Researching the Value of Project Management study leant itself to convincing organizations to buy into project management. i just got finished reading it, and i am looking for other thoughts on the subject. i read pmstudent.com sometimes and was suprised there was nothing here on it.
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Sep 2nd, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Donna, I thought that hadn’t been released yet? I just checked PMI’s site and the order page is still set up for an advanced copy – coming soon. I would love it if you could write up your thoughts in a post for pmStudent!
There is some video footage of the conference in Warsaw that I have not been able to sit down and watch yet.
If anyone would like to write a post on the report or conference, please register on the top-right of this page! You’ll be able to submit a post immediately, and detailed instructions are available after you log in as a registered member of pmStudent.com
Josh Nankivel
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Aug 31st, 2009 at 1:55 pm
Josh,
The idea of a Mind Map to build a WBS is a match made in heaven. The video though makes the cardinal sin of WBS – it is functional in nature not product in nature.
The result is a “level of effort” view of the car. “Design Engine,” never says what done looks like.
Use the MM tools for the right reason. The terminal nodes of the WBS Map are physical and tangible “things” that can be assembled into other tangible “things.”
There can also be processes that are needed for the production of the end item – the car. But never are there roles or functions in the WBS.
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Aug 31st, 2009 at 3:11 pm
I completely agree about the methodology of the WBS Glen, but this was the best video I could find demonstrating mindmapping in relation to the WBS.
One of these days I’ll get around to doing a video myself…
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Glen B. Alleman Reply:
September 1st, 2009 at 11:24 pm
Josh,
It’s interesting the Mind Jet hasn’t picked up on this. I was an early adopter of MM when the beta team allowed us at Ricky Flats to test early versions to build a large WBS for a building closure.
MJ has never really understood the project management side of their tool. We use it to build the IMP for every program we work and guide the capture of Product Development Kaizen (PDK) sessions.
I lead a IMP/IMS development for a manned spacecraft flight test article (FAST) for an early proposal that turned into the current Orion Program (Crew Exploration Vehicle – CEV) in 3 weeks. From hand wavings to baselined IMS with the systems engineers, us planners, cost estimators, and a few engineering specailist.
It’s a wonderdful concept. But like Design Structure Matrix – much misunderstood and under used.
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Aug 31st, 2009 at 4:45 pm
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Breakdown Structure Examples [link to post] by @pmstudent Work | Nice video presentation #pmot
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Aug 31st, 2009 at 5:32 pm
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RT @franciscojsaez: Breakdown Structure Examples [link to post] by @pmstudent Work | Nice video presentation #pmot
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