Chapter 9: Project Resource Management - Summary
Introduction
Project Resource Management includes the processes to identify, acquire, and manage
the resources needed for the successful completion of a project. The primary focus
is on managing the team resources (people), but it also encompasses managing
physical resources (equipment, materials, supplies, facilities, etc.). Effective
resource management ensures that the right resources are available at the right
time and place.
The chapter emphasizes a shift from "command and control" to a more collaborative
and empowering leadership style, recognizing the team as a critical stakeholder.
The 6 Processes of Project Resource Management
The processes are grouped into three key areas: Plan, Estimate & Acquire, and
Develop & Manage.
1. Plan Resource Management (Planning Process Group)
This is the process of defining how to estimate, acquire, manage, and utilize team
and physical resources. The key output is the Resource Management Plan.
Key Inputs: Project Charter, Project Management Plan (especially Quality Management
Plan).
Key Tools & Techniques:
Organizational Charts & Position Descriptions (Hierarchical, Matrix, Text-
Oriented).
Responsibility Assignment Matrix (RAM) and its specialized form, the RACI Chart
(Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed).
Networking and Organizational Theory.
Key Outputs:
Resource Management Plan: A component of the overall project management plan that
provides guidance on how project resources should be categorized, allocated,
managed, and released.
Team Charter: A document that establishes team values, communication guidelines,
and decision-making criteria.
2. Estimate Activity Resources (Planning Process Group)
This process involves estimating the type and quantities of team members and
physical resources required for each activity.
Key Inputs: Scope Baseline (WBS), Activity List, Activity Attributes.
Key Tools & Techniques:
Bottom-up Estimating: Estimating each activity and rolling it up to a total. Most
accurate but time-consuming.
Analogous Estimating: Using data from a similar project (top-down). Less accurate
but faster.
Parametric Estimating: Using a statistical relationship (e.g., cost per unit).
Alternative Analysis: Considering different ways to accomplish the work.
Key Outputs:
Resource Requirements: A detailed list of the types and quantities of resources
needed.
Basis of Estimates: Supporting details for the estimates.
3. Acquire Resources (Executing Process Group)
This is the process of obtaining team members, facilities, equipment, materials,
supplies, and other resources necessary to complete the project work.
Key Inputs: Resource Management Plan, Project Documents (e.g., Resource
Requirements).
Key Tools & Techniques:
Negotiation: With functional managers, other project managers, or external
organizations.
Pre-assignment: Resources assigned in advance.
Acquisition: Hiring or procuring resources from outside the organization.
Virtual Teams: Teams that don't work in the same physical location.
Key Outputs:
Physical Resource Assignments
Project Team Assignments
Resource Calendars: Showing the availability of each resource.
4. Develop Team (Executing Process Group)
This process involves improving the competencies, team interaction, and the overall
team environment to enhance project performance. It's about skills and teamwork.
Key Inputs: Project Management Plan (Resource Management Plan), Project Documents
(e.g., Team Charter, Lessons Learned Register).
Key Tools & Techniques:
Colocation: Placing team members in the same physical location to enhance
communication.
Virtual Teams: Strategies for managing distributed teams.
Training: To improve team competencies.
Team-Building Activities: Crucial for improving trust and cohesion.
Recognition and Rewards: To reinforce positive behavior.
Key Outputs:
Team Performance Assessments: Evaluation of the team's effectiveness.
Change Requests: Process improvements may require changes.
5. Manage Team (Executing Process Group)
This process involves tracking team member performance, providing feedback,
resolving issues, and managing changes to optimize project performance.
Key Inputs: Project Documents (e.g., Issue Log, Lessons Learned Register, Project
Team Assignments).
Key Tools & Techniques:
Interpersonal & Team Skills:
Conflict Management: Techniques include collaborating/problem-solving,
compromising, smoothing, forcing, withdrawing, and avoiding.
Emotional Intelligence: The ability to recognize and manage one's own emotions and
those of others.
Observation & Conversation: To stay connected with the team's work and attitudes.
Key Outputs:
Change Requests: Often result from team management (e.g., schedule changes due to
performance).
Issue Log: Updated with any team-related issues.
6. Control Resources (Monitoring & Controlling Process Group)
This process ensures that the physical resources assigned and allocated to the
project are available as planned, and monitors their planned versus actual use. It
focuses primarily on physical resources.
Key Inputs: Work Performance Data, Project Management Plan (Resource Management
Plan).
Key Tools & Techniques:
Data Analysis (e.g., Cost-Benefit Analysis, Trend Analysis).
Problem Solving: Defining the problem, identifying root cause, and implementing
solutions.
Interpersonal Skills: Negotiation and influencing.
Key Outputs:
Work Performance Information: Data on resource utilization.
Change Requests: To address resource shortages or surpluses.