Definition of Work Breakdown Structure

Work breakdown (WBD) is a technique used by management to perform large and complex projects on time. In WBD, project work is divided into small and simpler tasks. Separate teams work on separate tasks simultaneously to increase team productivity and overall project handling.

WBD is a tree-like structure where the whole project is on top while small tasks or portions are under it. Large manufacturing companies like Boeing or Nasa used this method to construct aircraft in manageable resources and time. These aircraft are complex in nature and work at one is not possible. Teams of different experts work on their respective tasks and in the end, all components are joined together to make a final aircraft.