The origins of the WBS

Posted on December 9, 2021 by | 1 Comment

My latest project management history paper on ‘the origins of the WBS’ has been published in the December issue of PM World Journal: https://pmworldjournal.com/

There’s still a few gaps in the timeline but it seems the concept of the WBS (if not the term) has its origins in the development of scientific management in the early 1900s. Download the latest version of this paper including a few additions from: https://mosaicprojects.com.au/PMKI-ZSY-020.php#WBS

This paper is part of a journey to work out where the ideas of Earned Value originated. The next step is to trace the origins of cost engineering. In the meantime, any information regarding the use of WBS pre WW2, particularly in the UK / Europe will be appreciated.

The full set of papers on the history of project controls can be downloaded from: https://mosaicprojects.com.au/PMKI-ZSY-020.php

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One response to “The origins of the WBS”

  1. Robert Youker | December 9, 2021 at 7:54 am | Reply

    Here is my paper from Phily a number of years ago which touches on your WBS paper.  Bob

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