4.3 Resource Management

Question 1

Definition and considerations of resource management

Answer 1

• Proactive acquisition and deployment of internal and external resources to deliver the project
• Lifecycle approach taken
• How many resources are needed to deliver work packages
• Resource availability and capability
• Resource smoothing and levelling
• BAU needs and priorities
• Specific, critical materials or individuals
• Limits and constraints on flexibility
• Costs and budget

Question 2

Definition and features of organisational breakdown structure

Answer 2

• Hierarchically structured representation of the project team
• Used to communicate who is involved in a project
• Reflects the project reporting structure
• Does not represent organisational structure or line management

Question 3

Definition and features of a responsibility assignment matrix (RACI)

Answer 3

• Clear association between roles and work packages
• Roles in OBS are mapped against work packages from WBS
• Every package has responsible individual
• Each individual is competent to execute package
• RACI chart communicated to all individuals
• Constructed during workshops, group discussions, etc
• RACI: responsible, accountable, consulted, informed

Question 4

Resource categories

Answer 4

• Consumable resources
• Reusable resources
• Equipment
• Materials
• Facilities
• Human resources

Question 5

Resources in a linear lifecycle

Answer 5

• Fixed scope so allocation needs to be flexed to fit
• Funds released at the start of each phase determining resources available
• Duration is fixed as scope agreed at outset
• Changes to scope are justified
• Resources allocated as and when needed
• Priorities agreed at the outset
• Output delivered at the end of transition phase

Question 6

Resources in an iterative lifecycle

Answer 6

• Fixed resource allocation so scope needs to be flexed to meet what can be achieved
• Funds released on more frequent basis to linear
• Duration is fixed and scope flexed to fit timeboxes
• Scope is altered and agreed within project team
• Priorities linked to benefits via product owner involvement
• Output delivered to users as soon as it is ready to gain feedback

Question 7

Reducing resource risk

Answer 7

• Detailed specifications for work packages / activities / materials
• Defined roles
• Lead times factored into schedule
• RACI matrix to record agreed deployments
• Actively network around organisation and suppliers
• Account for changes in the environment, industry, and general trends

Question 8

Definition of a resource histogram

Answer 8

• Visual chart of usage of each resource
• Recorded on Gantt chart to show when, and how much, resource is required at any given stage

Question 9

Definition and features of resource smoothing

Answer 9

• Resource optimisation where overall duration is fixed and allocation adjusted using float
• Avoids mobilisation and demobilisation costs
• Accommodates resource availability limits

Question 10

Definition of resource levelling

Answer 10

• Resource optimisation where resource availability is fixed so duration of tasks must be flexed

Question 11

Resource optimisation options

Answer 11

• Resource levelling
• Resource smoothing
• De-scoping (doing less)
• Higher productivity via motivation or training
• Remove bottlenecks or fixed delays
• Provide more time via overtime
• Splitting tasks