I’ve written several times on the blog about the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) as a core tool for all project managers. I practiced a long time as a PM without using the WBS. I can see a big difference in my work as a PM after I started using the WBS:
- Planning is more complete
- Scope is more clear
- Communication is more clear
I recommend the tool for all PMs.
I also recommend WBS Coach as a good self-training tool to learn more about the WBS and how to use it effectively.
WBS is written by Josh Nankivel, host of PMStudent.com. Josh is a long-time PM, and WBS Coach captures a lot of Josh’s learning and experience in projects large and small.
What you get with the $39.99 WBS Coach:
- 8 core lessons
- tutorial videos (looking “over Josh’s shoulder” as he demonstrates)
- 2 hours of audio interviews with the instructor
- Bonus video and audio answering student questions
- Practitioner checklist for immediate real-world use
- 5 PDUs (2-sDL) and PDU reporting guide to make it easy
- Instant download of the entire course to your computer
How I use WBS Coach:
I use WBS Coach in a few ways:
- I keep the printed book copy on my desk and refer to it when I start a new WBS
- I use it to coach other PM students in my organization about effective, real-world use of WBS
- I use the checklists to validate my own WBS’s.
- I have the MP3 files on my audio player and listen to it during my commute.
When can you use WBS Coach?
You can use it anytime!
This package is not directly related to PMP certification. It’s a real-world, use-it-right-now kind of tool. Any PM can use it, certified or not. Use it to improve your performance on your projects now.
Need more help learning PM?
Check out the new service, Project Management e-Learning by Josh Nankivel. Josh is also the author of “Your WBS Coach.”
