Resource allocation and utilization has a direct impact on the project schedule

Question

Resource allocation and utilization has a direct impact on the project schedule and progress. In the current global economy, companies are trying to maximize the use of available resources; therefore, project managers will find themselves constantly competing for resources. On the other hand, resources are being assigned to multiple projects, making it harder for project managers to maximize resource utilizations. Over-extended resources will quickly experience burnout, causing the project deliverables and schedule to slip.

As a project manager, how would you ensure that you have the resources needed for your project? How would you approach a functional manager to recruit the best resources for your project?

Explanation / Answer

Yes, I agree the resource allocation and utilization has a direct impact on the project schedule and progress. Therefore as per my understanding, Project planning and control (PPC) should be given the proper attention while thinking about the requirements, allocation and utilization of resources. Contigency planning and flexibility of use of alternate resources should be part of PPC.

As a project manager, in order to ensure allocation of best resources I would like to have constantly monitoring of other projects (those requiring same resources that I need for my project) and have co-ordination with the functional manager. Depending upon the availability, I would like to make use of the slacks of various events as well as use of floats ( total, free & independent) calculated for activities.

Depending on the trade off between time and costs (direct & indirect) as well as availability of best resources, the project can be reschuled. The co-ordination with the functional manager will be towards achieving an optimal win-win position rather than that of confrontation. Best resources for my project should fall within the overall objective of maximum utilization of available resources.

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