How To Create A Wbs Dictionary

In the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Body of Knowledge the WBS Dictionary is created as part of project scope Management. It forms part of the scope baseline along with the WBS and the scope statement. Change requests may prompt updates to the WBS and the WBS Dictionary. The WBS and WBS Dictionary form the basis for the final Activity List.

What is a WBS Dictionary?

The WBS dictionary provides detailed information about each component in the work breakdown structure (WBS). stakeholdermap.com

The WBS dictionary is part of the project management plan, and with the work breakdown structure and the project scope statement it forms the scope baseline for the project.

What is in a WBS Dictionary?

detailed description of the work required to deliver the component
assumptions and constraints
responsible person or organization
the milestones
any dependencies on other deliverables
resources required
cost estimates
quality criteria and acceptance criteria
references to any technical or design documentation
any contractual agreements

It can be created either sequentially, in other words after the work breakdown structure or alongside the work breakdown structure. It is likely that it will be developed concurrently as the project team iteratively develop the work breakdown structure during planning.

It will be the basis for the completion of the final activity list. The dictionary may be updated to reflect approved change requests that have an impact on the project scope.

This template includes all of the areas you need to cover, with includes useful hints and tips to help you complete each section.

WBS Dictionary Template

This is a FREE WBS Dictionary in Excel and PDF. The template is fully editable with Microsoft Word and can be converted or changed to suit your project requirements.

See what is in the Template! Check out the Contents complete with Hints and Tips on how to use.

Check out the contents below or Grab the template now!

What's in the WBS Dictionary template?

Field

Field Description and guidance completion

Project details and document control

Provide information on the project and document:

Project Name and Reference
Document information: ID, owner, issue date, last saved date, file name or path.
Document history: version, issue date, changes.
Document approvals: role, name, signature, date.

Unique ID

Give each deliverable a unique ID so that it can be tracked easily and cross referenced for example in a Change Request or a Risk Register. Example: AI01, AI02, AI03…

WBS ID

Detailed Description

Provide a detailed description of the deliverable, this should be sufficiently clear that it can be understood by the project team and key stakeholders.

Key Milestones

Note down the key milestones relating to this deliverable. For example, go live date or delivery date, test dates or quality assurance dates.

Responsible Party

Enter the individual, department, or organization that is responsible for the delivery of the completed component.

Dependencies

Document anything that this deliverable is dependent on or is a dependency for. For example, note down anything that is required in order for work on this deliverable to start, and document anything that requires this deliverable.

Resource Plan

Enter the resources that will be required to do the work. This might be the names or job titles of individuals or might be a link to a separate resource plan.

Cost Estimates

Provide the cost estimates for this deliverable. This might be a link to a separate document if the cost estimate is complex.

Contractual Agreements

Note down any contractual agreements that apply to this deliverable. For example, statements of work, guarantees, warrantys etc.

Quality Criteria

Give the quality criteria that will be used to measure the quality of this deliverable. You may also include any acceptance criteria, e.g. what will need to be in place/available before the deliverable can be accepted as complete.

WBS Dictionary Template

Excel 1997 - 2003 (compatibility mode) download - WBS Dictionary Template (.xls)

Excel xlsx download - WBS Dictionary Template (.xlsx)

Project Templates to download

Sample Project Charter - FREE example from a real software project
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MS Project schedules - Get a ready made Microsoft Project Plan for your Project.
Risk Register template - Download a free Risk Register Template for managing your risks.
Software Project Plan - Get a ready Made Microsoft Project Plan for your Software Implementation Project.
Sample Statement of Work - Writing a SOW is challenging! That is why we are sharing this free example!
WBS examples - 22 Examples of real world Work Breakdown Structures.