Project Resource Management is just another step in the tricky world of project management, but it is a necessary one. A project with no resources or even resources spread too thin is destined to fail. In this article, we will discuss three tools (Resource Planning, Resource Breakdown Structure, and Resource Leveling) that will help you successfully manage your project’s resources.
First up is resource planning; Resource planning can be thought of as akin to financial planning. First, you need to derive the types of resources you need such as teams, responsibilities, equipment, locations, and material. These resources can then be entered into a project management software suite if you so desire. Once you have laid out the
resources you need you can then start divvying them up according to a workload analysis that should have been completed when the project was first being formed. Having resources at the ready and having enough to go around will help your developers work with less stress and your stakeholders more optimistic about the success of the project.
Second is the resource breakdown structure or RBS. An RBS is akin to a work breakdown structure (WBS) in the sense that it is a hierarchal chart that breaks down resources by their type. An RBS allows project managers to get a sense of the organization of their resources and how they will be split up and put into each segment of work during the project. An RBS can include things such as software tools, equipment, fees, and materials. This in turn allows you to estimate project costs and resource demands which should help immensely when trying to stay within the bounds of the budget that is set for the project.
The third is resource-leveling. Resource leveling is essentially how you will spread your resources to last the entire project. This involves having a premade start and end date with deadlines for deliverables in between. You will then go through and schedule activities according to their priority. You can then assign resources and “level” them out through each work segment by playing with their required start and end dates. Resource leveling ensures that you can spread your resources with little to no room for overages or leftovers, this ensures that your money is being put to use in making a better project.
All in all, Project Resource Management is a tricky but necessary part of the planning and conducting of a successful project as it is closely tied to the funds put up for the project itself. Having too many or too few resources can make or break a deliverable or even the entire project. Therefore, you should take the time upfront to plan out resources and level them throughout each work segment. Having thoughtfully planned resources increase the trust of your stakeholders in the success of your project.
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