CASE EXAMPLE: WBS FOR AN INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

What follows will give a comparison between the deliverable-oriented and schedule-oriented basis. There is no question that the lowest level of a fully developed WBS comprises activities. However, it is more useful if one of the deliverable-oriented bases is used for the majority of the upper portion of the structure.

The following is an example of a WBS for an industrial complex (see Figure 2-2). To illustrate this example clearly, the division of elements at different junctures has been performed using different bases. It is important to note that if this project were to be implemented, a new all-deliverable WBS should be developed.

Power House

   —Steam generation system

   —Electrical generation system

   —Electrical transmission system

Factory

   —Receiving equipment

   —Processing equipment

   —Packaging equipment

   —Shipping equipment

Office

   —First floor

   —Second floor

   —Penthouse

FIGURE 2-2 Sample WBS

Grounds

   —Phase One, bushes and trees

   —Phase Two, seeding for lawn

   —Phase Three, walkways

   —Phase Four, parking lot.

In this example, the breakdown basis for level one is physical location. The breakdown basis for the powerhouse is the functional system. The breakdown basis for the factory can be viewed as product, physical location, or functional system. The breakdown basis for the office is physical location. The breakdown basis for the grounds is sequential.