Which of the following describes the function of a work breakdown structure (WBS)?

A work breakdown structure (WBS) is an essential tool in project management that organizes the total scope of a project into smaller, more manageable components. This hierarchical decomposition allows project managers to break down tasks into subtasks, ensuring that all aspects of the project are accounted for and enabling better planning and resource allocation.

The primary function of the WBS is to relate tasks and their precedence, establishing the necessary relationships between different components of the project. By doing so, it allows for clear understanding of how tasks interlink and depend on one another, which aids in scheduling and determining the sequence in which activities need to occur.

This structured approach enables project teams to assess the scope more effectively, helping identify potential issues early on and facilitating better communication among team members. The WBS serves as a foundational element for further project planning processes, such as resource assignment, task scheduling, and performance monitoring.