What is the structure of work decomposition?

The structure of the decomposition of the work describes the method for representation and organization of work that will be necessary to achieve a certain goal. The creation of a work decomposition structure involves taking over a complicated task with many parts and describing each individually in a single chart. The aim of creating one of these graphs is to create a clarity about what needs to be done from start to the end of the project.

The structure of work decomposition is usually organized hierarchically. Above is the main goal: for example "Cook S'Mores on a campfire". The goal will then be divided into smaller targets such as procurement of stocks, starting fire, maintaining fire and truly cooking S'Mores. Each of these smaller units can be divided. For example, the "inventory display" would be divided into food shopping, gathering sticks and chopping firewood. Specific tasks can be assigned to different members of the team of people trying to cook S'Mores.

One common FeA100% rule is the structure of work decomposition. The structure of work decomposition should contain 100%the work to be done. It should represent complete accounting of all necessary tasks. It should also not include a job that is not necessary to achieve the primary goal. Of course, in the real world it may be impossible to achieve it perfectly.

Another principle of structure of work decomposition is mutual exclusivity. This means that the different elements listed on the chart should not overlap each other. The aim is complete clarity in representing discrete tasks. Maintaining separate tasks is especially useful in large projects with many participants trying to cooperate without duplication.

A common but optional element of the structure of work decomposition is a dictionary. The dictionary is also particularly useful for large projects. The dictionary defines the deadline for the abbreviation used in the graph. Providing this type of additional explanation increases the likelihood that anyone who sees this document understands it in the same way. DifferentAid understanding of the same text can cause as confusion as a document that is unclear in itself.

The idea of ​​the structure of the decomposition of the work was made at the Ministry of Defense during the 50th and 60s. The Polaris missiles were used by the precursor of the structure of work decomposition. Finally, the system was codified in the government document MIL-STD-881, "structures of work decomposition for defense material items". The process remains used by the army, but has also spread to the corporate world.