Most of us are familiar with the basic project planning analysis: the Work Breakdown Structure, the document that shows the taxonomy of subdivision of the basic specialist product of the project into component work packages. It is used both to assign responsibility, in larger projects, and to check with the sponsor and users that all the required work appears to be included.
But, for a fulsome approach to project management a number of other breakdowns are essential.
Function Breakdown Structure
This analyses the functions that are required of the product into a logical hierarchy to ensure that all the headline functions will be acknowledged in operational functions.
This is then used as the basis for preparing performance requirements and acceptance standards for work packages and feeds into the design specification and performance parameters.
Risk Breakdown Structure
Same for risk. to ensure risks are understood in the most useful operational detail to enable proper analysis of hazards and effects.
Element Breakdown Structure
This breaks the product into its element hierarchy. This is a check on the FBS, but also provides a 'dimension' for keying project deliverables, specifications, inputs to elements of the final product.
