Resource Management
Project Resource management primarily deals with ensuring that the right resource is available at the right place and time.
For this, you need to identify the resources required to complete your project efficiently, then acquire those resources and manage those resources efficiently so that no resource is overallocated or under-allocated while keeping in view the successful completion of the project.
Here it is important to mention that it includes all types of resources, i.e.:
- Cost resources
- Work resources
- Material resources
Another segregation of resources is:
- Human resources
- Non-human resources
- Initially, a plan is made to manage the resources. It includes the approach of resource engagement and identification of critical resources.
- The level of effort or the requirement of each resource will be estimated using suitable estimation techniques to acquire only the required resources.
- Human resources can never be managed like non-human resources.
The project manager must develop a team amongst a group of human resources and manage that team efficiently by using some team-building activities and emotional intelligence.
Another duty of the project manager is to monitor the performances of all the resources and adjust accordingly to enhance the overall productivity to efficiently complete the project. It all falls under the umberalla of Project Resource Management
Project Resource Management is a crucial knowledge area that effectively manages resources required to carry out a project successfully. These resources may include people, equipment, materials, and facilities. The Project Resource Management knowledge area consists of six processes covering the entire resource management spectrum. This article will discuss these processes in detail, including their inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs.
1.Plan Resource Management
The Plan Resource Management process is the first process of the Project Resource Management knowledge area. It involves developing a plan to manage project resources effectively. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Project management plan
- Project charter
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets
Tools and Techniques:
- Expert judgment
- Data analysis
- Meetings
Outputs:
- Resource management plan
- Project document updates
The project document updates include the project charter and management plan updates. The Resource Management Plan outlines how resources will be identified, categorized, and allocated throughout the project. This plan will also define the roles and responsibilities of the project team and how they will be managed.
2. Estimate Resources
The Estimate Resources process involves estimating the type and quantity of resources required to complete project activities. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Resource management plan
- Activity resource requirements
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets
Tools and Techniques:
- Expert judgment
- Data analysis
- Alternatives analysis
Outputs:
- Resource estimates
- Basis of estimates
- Project document updates
The resource estimates provide information on the quantity and type of resources required for project activities. The basis of estimates includes the assumptions and constraints used in estimating the resources. The project document updates include updates to the resource management plan and activity resource requirements.
3. Acquire Resources
The Acquire Resources process involves obtaining the necessary resources to complete project activities. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Resource management plan
- Project staff assignments
- Resource requirements
- Organizational process assets
Tools and Techniques:
- Expert judgment
- Negotiations
- Pre-assignment
Outputs:
- Project team assignments
- Resource calendars
- Change requests
- Project document updates
The project document updates include updates to the resource management plan, project staff assignments, and resource requirements. The project team assignments include the assignment of resources to project activities. The resource calendars provide information on the availability of resources. Change requests may be required if there are changes to project requirements or if resources become unavailable.
4. Develop Team
The Develop Team process involves improving the competencies, team member interaction, and overall team environment. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Resource management plan
- Project staff assignments
- Project team performance assessments
- Enterprise environmental factors
- Organizational process assets
Tools and Techniques:
- Interpersonal and team skills
- Training
- Team building activities
Outputs:
- Team performance assessments
- Enterprise environmental factors updates
- Organizational process assets updates
The team performance assessments provide information on the effectiveness of the team. The enterprise environmental factors update, and organizational process assets updates may be required if there are changes to project requirements or if resources become unavailable.
5. Manage Team
The Manage Team process involves tracking performance, resolving issues, managing changes, and motivating team members. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Resource management plan
- Project schedule
- Project staff assignments
- Team performance assessments
- Issue log
- Change log
Tools and Techniques:
- Meetings
- Interpersonal and team skills
- Recognition and rewards
Outputs:
- Performance reports
- Change requests
- Project document updates
The project document updates include updates to the resource management plan, project staff assignments, and team performance assessments. Performance reports provide information on team performance and may include recommendations for improvement. Change requests may be required if there are changes to project requirements or if resources become unavailable.
6. Control Resources
The Control Resources process involves monitoring resource utilization and making necessary adjustments to optimize resource usage. The following are the inputs, tools and techniques, and outputs of this process:
Inputs:
- Resource management plan
- Project schedule
- Resource calendars
- Performance reports
- Organizational process assets
Tools and Techniques:
- Data analysis
- Meetings
- Expert judgment
Outputs:
- Work performance information
- Change requests
- Project document updates
Work performance information provides information on resource utilization and may include recommendations for improvement. The project document updates include updates to the resource management plan, project staff assignments, and resource requirements. Change requests may be required if there are changes to project requirements or if resources become unavailable.
Conclusion
The Project Resource Management knowledge area is a critical aspect of project management. Effective resource management can ensure project success by optimizing resource utilization and minimizing wastage. The six processes outlined in this article provide a comprehensive framework for managing project resources. By following these processes and utilizing the inputs, tools, techniques, and outputs outlined, project managers can effectively manage project resources and maximize project success.