Project Resource Management helps in managing the capacity, utilization of people and assets for project work by determining and deploying the most qualified resources. It centralizes the crucial  resources to enhance  customer

and employee satisfaction and high enterprise profitability. Resource management comprises the processes to identify, utilize and manage resources required for the successful completion of the project. It involves acquiring and deploying both internal and external resources which are essential for progressively delivering a project or program. The procedure primarily emphasizes on precedence usage of resources, controlling resource utilization and productivity, and measuring resource efficiency. One area which now has more focused when you deals with a human is your emotional intelligence or Emotional Quotient. This is your soft side

Project Resource Management Processes

Resource Management Plan (Planning)

The Resource Management Plan or a resource plan defines how to estimate, obtain, manage and use resources, both human and physical.  Project Team is developed and managed whereas physical resources are controlled for usage efficiency. Resource planning is carried out considering the requirements, deliverables, the schedule for timeline, quality, and risk to select the right quality of resources. Every project plan requires to have a separate resource plan that comprises varying aspects of resource prerequisite, distribution, and utilization from the beginning to the end of the project. In a resource plan, a project manager develops a graded list of resources required for the accomplishment of the project.

Estimate Activity Resources (Planning)

The practices and characteristic for estimation come from schedule management and how to estimate from resource management plan. In this process, cost estimates come as added input to balance resource estimates with cost estimates. Estimating the requirements for both internal and external resources is the very first step in project resource management. Active estimation is needed for every task within the project so the placement of resources can take place in the most effective way. Among the techniques used for resource estimation include the expert judgment in which the estimation is carried out based on experience acquired from earlier projects. Moreover, hard data is collected from certain tasks performed for prior projects leading to more precise estimations. Estimation techniques as discussed in Cost and Schedule Management will also play their role here

Acquire Resources (Execution)

In this process, the stakeholders are involved to acquire a human resource (team members) and physical resource (facilities/ equipment/ materials) and other resources necessary to complete the project work. There are certain data which is required for effective resource management in a project including available resources, the requirement for resources, what risks are related to the resources and how these resources will meet the identified results. Your personal rapport and communication skills play a vital role while networking and negotiating for the best resources.

Develop team (Execution)

The process involves enhancing competencies, team communication, and the general team environment to improve project performance. Things like Colocation and training cost will play their role in effective development. Motivational Theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy, Herzberg’s Hygiene Theory, Theory X and Y will help the team management understanding the team motivation and provide ides to keep the team motivated.

Tuckman Model of team development is a quick guide to make sure that you don’t stick at the undesired stage of team development,

Manage team (Execution)

The process includes following team performance, put forth viewpoint, solving issues, and managing team changes to enhance project performance. This is the time when most of the conflicts will arise and as I always recommend that conflicts are good for the team performance if handled properly

Control Resources (Monitoring and Controlling)

This is among the most crucial challenge in real-time tasks. The project managers consistently perform the alternate evaluation, cost-benefit assessment, and negotiation in keeping the physical resources working on the projects. The whole objective of this knowledge area is to use resources available to project effectively, efficiently and economically. 

Key Deliverables for Project Resource Management

Project Management Plan:

It explains how an association or corporation is run. A management plan lets you validate your management structure and functions. Also, it makes sure that everyone is on one platform and the determined goals will be achieved.

Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS):

It refers to a hierarchical list of resources regarding functions and resource types that are used to facilitate planning and monitoring the project work. The procedure of classification continues even with distinct categories until each resource type is broken down into simple individual entities. When RBS is done, it becomes easier to determine the total available resources for every team and manage their utilization.

RACI Chart

Its a tool for tracking the roles and responsibilities of project members/ or positions in general for specific project tasks during the project life cycle. R- responsible, A – Accountable, C- Consulted, I- Informed

Further Readings

• Professional Networks, personal rapport and project success
• Challenges & Solution of Effective and Efficient Communication
• Estimation Techniques and how to estimate better.
• Conflict Management