What information is included in an Organizational Breakdown Structure?

An Organizational Breakdown Structure (OBS) is a hierarchical representation that outlines the various roles and responsibilities within a project or organization. It focuses specifically on the people involved, detailing who is responsible for what tasks and how these roles fit together to achieve project goals.

The inclusion of roles and responsibilities, along with contact information, is critical because it ensures clarity in task assignments and accountability among team members. This structure helps in assigning specific responsibilities to individuals or teams, facilitating better communication and collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. An OBS serves as a visual guide to identify the necessary skill sets and resources needed at each level of the project organization, enhancing overall project management effectiveness.

In contrast, project timelines and deadlines, financial summaries, and client satisfaction ratings address different aspects of a project that do not fall under the definition of an Organizational Breakdown Structure. While these elements are essential for project management, they do not reflect the hierarchical organization of roles and responsibilities.