Reference: ISO/DIS 21511 | Work Breakdown Structures| Committee: ISO/TC 258 | Type: Draft International Standard (DIS) | ISO Stage 40: Enquiry
ISO/DIS 21511 Advances to Draft International Standard at Enquiry Stage
Now available for Ballot and Comment
ISO/TC 258 is pleased to announce that ISO/DIS 21511 (Edition 2), Project, programme and portfolio management — Work breakdown structures, has advanced to the Enquiry Stage and is now available for ballot and comment.
This milestone marks an important step forward in the revision of ISO 21511, reflecting the collective efforts of international experts to update and strengthen guidance on work breakdown structures (WBS) within the broader context of project, programme, and portfolio management.
The revised edition expands the scope beyond projects to more fully integrate programme and portfolio perspectives, while enhancing clarity, usability, and alignment with related standards in the ISO/TC 258 portfolio. Work breakdown structures remain a foundational tool for defining scope, improving transparency, and supporting effective planning and delivery across a wide range of initiatives.
During the Committee Stage, the draft received 165 comments from six ISO/TC 258 member bodies. These comments were carefully reviewed and addressed by ISO/TC 258/WG 12 during a hybrid working meeting held in Évora, Portugal, as well as through virtual collaboration sessions. More than 50% of the comments were accepted or modified, contributing to improvements in clarity, structure, and overall robustness of the Draft International Standard. The working group experts diligently verified and validated the disposition of each comment under the leadership of Project Leader Shree Pataskar and Convenor Kym Henderson, ensuring a transparent and consensus-driven process.
At the Enquiry Stage, ISO/TC 258 members are invited to both vote on the draft and provide any additional comments to help ensure the standard remains robust, practical, and globally relevant. Engagement from national standards bodies and subject matter experts is critical to refining the document before final publication.
The ballot and comment period is open from 9 March 2026 to 1 June 2026. Interested parties are encouraged to review the draft and submit feedback through their national mirror committees using the ISO Comment Template. Liaison Organizations and Liaison representatives from other ISO TCs are also invited to submit comments via the ISO ballot platform.
This progression to DIS represents a significant achievement in the development of the next edition of ISO 21511 and brings the standard one step closer to publication as an International Standard.
For more information on how to access the draft or participate in the ballot, please contact your national standards body, Liaison Representative or the ISO/TC 258 Secretariat.
What’s New in Edition 2?
- Incorporation of broader PPPM context beyond just projects
- Updated terminology and structure for better usability
- Clearer alignment with ISO 21502, 21503, 21504, and 21506
- Improved visual guidance and structure examples
