WBS Dictionary
The WBS dictionary is a document that provides detailed deliverable, activity, and scheduling information about each component in the work breakdown structure.
Explanation
The WBS dictionary accompanies the WBS and provides the detailed information needed to understand and manage each WBS element. While the WBS shows the hierarchical structure at a glance, the dictionary adds depth by describing each component with attributes such as the code of account identifier, description of work, responsible organization, schedule milestones, associated activities, required resources, cost estimates, quality requirements, acceptance criteria, and technical references.
The WBS dictionary is created during the Create WBS process and is a component of the scope baseline. It evolves throughout the project as more detail becomes available. Having a thorough WBS dictionary helps prevent misunderstandings about what each work package includes, which directly supports accurate estimating, clear accountability, and effective scope control.
For work packages at the lowest level, the dictionary entry is especially detailed, providing enough information for the work to be assigned, estimated, tracked, and controlled. For higher-level summary elements, the dictionary may contain less detail, focusing on rollup descriptions and organizational responsibility.
Key Points
- •Provides detailed information for each WBS component
- •Includes code of account, description, responsible party, acceptance criteria, and more
- •Part of the scope baseline along with the WBS and scope statement
- •Created during the Create WBS process
Exam Tip
The WBS dictionary is the third leg of the scope baseline. Remember: scope baseline = scope statement + WBS + WBS dictionary. All three are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
A work breakdown structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to be carried out by the project team to accomplish the project objectives and create the required deliverables.
Create WBS
Create WBS is the process of subdividing project deliverables and project work into smaller, more manageable components.
Scope Baseline
The scope baseline is the approved version of the project scope statement, work breakdown structure (WBS), and its associated WBS dictionary, used as a reference for measuring project scope performance.
Work Package
A work package is the lowest level of the work breakdown structure, representing a deliverable or project work component that can be estimated, scheduled, monitored, and controlled.
Control Account
A control account is a management control point where scope, budget, actual cost, and schedule are integrated and compared to earned value for performance measurement.
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