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Work Breakdown Structure Template
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Decompose any project into deliverables, tasks, and subtasks with effort rollup and progress tracking.
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To download an Excel file, go to File —> Download —> Microsoft Excel
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What is a WBS?
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A WBS decomposes the total project scope into smaller, manageable pieces — from phases down to individual tasks.
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It answers "what needs to be done?" before you answer "who does it?" or "when?"
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A good WBS has 3–4 levels: Project → Deliverable → Task → Subtask (if needed).
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How to build your WBS
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1. Start with deliverables — the concrete outputs the project will produce.
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2. Break each deliverable into tasks. A task should be completable in 1–5 days.
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3. For complex tasks, add subtasks. Stop when you can estimate and assign confidently.
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4. Assign effort (days), owner, and priority once the structure is done.
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How to use the Effort Summary
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The Effort Summary tab rolls up estimated days by deliverable and owner automatically.
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Use it to spot overloaded owners and to validate your project timeline.
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If total effort doesn't match your timeline, you need more resource, a reduced scope, or a longer deadline.
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What makes a good task
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One clear output: "Write API spec document" not "Work on spec".
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One owner: if more than one person needs to complete it, split it.
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Estimatable: you can say with confidence "this takes 2 days".
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Testable: you can answer "is this done?" with yes or no.
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