Different Types of Breakdown Structures

Another factor that can impact understanding of the WBS term and concept is that many industries utilize other breakdown structures and related acronyms that can confuse this subject. Therefore, to better understand what is meant by a WBS, you should be familiar with these other types of breakdown structures, as listed in Table 6.2, and how they are different from a WBS.

images Caution

Any work not defined in the WBS is considered to be outside the project scope.

TABLE 6.2 Different Types of Breakdown Structures

AcronymDescriptionNotes
CWBSContractual WBSDefines the level of reporting between the seller and buyer. The CWBS is not as detailed as the WBS used to manage the actual work.
OBSOrganizational Breakdown StructureMaps work components to organizational units.
RBSResource Breakdown StructureMaps work components to individuals.
BOMBill of MaterialsDescribes the physical components needed for the project.
PBSProject Breakdown StructureThe PBS is actually the same as the WBS. This term is only used in areas where the term WBS is incorrectly used to refer to a BOM.

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