A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual decomposition of the program scope and the resources needed in order to create the things defined within the program scope. A WBS is a hierarchical representation of the deliverables, activities, and tasks that are required to complete the program. A WBS defines the scope, schedule, cost, and quality of the program, and helps to allocate the resources and assign the responsibilities for the program. A WBS also helps to identify the dependencies, risks, and issues of the program, and to monitor and control the program performance12. A resource breakdown structure (RBS) is a visual decomposition of the resources that are needed to complete the program. An RBS is a hierarchical representation of the human and non-human resources that are required to perform the activities and tasks of the program. An RBS defines the types, categories, and quantities of the resources, and helps to estimate, acquire, and manage the resources for the program. An RBS also helps to identify the availability, utilization, and allocation of the resources, and to optimize the resource efficiency and effectiveness13. A product breakdown structure (PBS) is a visual decomposition of the products that are delivered by the program. A PBS is a hierarchical representation of the components and features that make up the products of the program. A PBS defines the scope, quality, and functionality of the products, and helps to design, develop, and test the products for the program. A PBS also helps to identify the requirements, specifications, and standards of the products, and to verify and validate the products14. A budgeted cost of work scheduled (BCWS) is a measure of the planned value of the program. A BCWS is the sum of the budgets for all the work packages and activities that are scheduled to be completed by a given date. A BCWS defines the expected cost of the program, and helps to compare the actual cost and the earned value of the program. A BCWS also helps to identify the cost variance and the cost performance index of the program, and to forecast the cost at completion and the estimate at completion1 . References:
CBAP® Handbook
Work Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
Resource Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
Product Breakdown Structure - iiba.org
[Budgeted Cost of Work Scheduled - iiba.org]
