Creating and Maintaining a WBS Dictionary

What Is a WBS Dictionary?

A WBS dictionary is a document that provides detailed information about each element in the WBS, including work packages and control accounts. For each WBS element, the WBS Dictionary may include a brief definition of the scope or statement of work, defined deliverable(s), a list of associated activities, and a list of milestones. It can also include information such as responsible organization, start and end dates, resources required, an estimate of cost, charge number, contract information, quality requirements, and technical references to facilitate the performance of the work. The WBS dictionary is also an essential part of the scope baseline.

Why Do We Need a WBS Dictionary?

Since the WBS is a graphic, there is a practical limit to how much detailed information can be included in each element. However, we can solve this problem by using a short title and a numbering scheme on the graphic in the WBS and providing more detail regarding these WBS elements in the WBS dictionary.

When stakeholders read these detailed descriptions in the WBS dictionary, they get a much better understanding of the scope of work because of their context within the WBS hierarchy of elements. The resources will have a much better understanding of the work they must perform if they refer to the WBS dictionary. Finally, by linking document templates and examples from our actual projects, we will greatly improve compliance with organization standards and improve quality.

The benefit of creating and maintaining a WBS Dictionary is to ensure that we do the work right the first time by providing the team with the information they need to produce quality deliverables that meet project requirements and organization standards.

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Guidelines for Creating and Maintaining a WBS Dictionary

• Experts strongly recommend that we adopt a standard structure for providing descriptive information for each WBS Element in the WBS dictionary to ensure consistency. It will also serve as a template for both the author and the reader.

• The level of detail that we provide should be less for WBS elements that are higher in the hierarchy and more detailed for lower-level elements.

• It is a good practice to include the WBS and the WBS dictionary in the same document. This way, the project team, and stakeholders will not be compelled to search for any information. If they are looking at the WBS, all the information that the WBS holds will be available to them in the WBS dictionary, right there, inside the same document.

• Due to ever-changing circumstances, the Work Breakdown Structure Dictionary is under constant revision. Therefore, we should frequently review the contents of the WBS dictionary to assure proper project management.

What Are the Tools Required to Create a WBS Dictionary?

Most organizations use Microsoft Word to create and maintain a WBS dictionary, but you can also use Microsoft Project. It is one of the most effective ways because it provides context-relevant information and ensures synchronization with the project WBS.

Sample WBS Dictionary

As you can see, creating and maintaining a WBS dictionary is essential as it provides detailed information about each element of the Work Breakdown Structure. It provides the team with the information they need to produce quality deliverables that meet project requirements and organization standards.

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