• Integration Management
• Develop Project Charter
• Develop Project Plan
• Direct & Manage Work
• Manage Project Knowledge
• Perform Integrated Change Control
• Monitor & Control Work
• Close Project & Phase
• Scope Management
• Plan Scope Management
• Collect Requirements
• Define Scope
• Create WBS
• Validate Scope
• Schedule Management
• Plan Schedule Management
• Define Activities
• Sequence Activities
• Estimate Activity Durations
• Develop Schedule
• Control Schedule
• Cost Management
• Plan Cost Management
• Estimate Costs
• Determine Budget
• Control Costs
• Quality Management
• Plan Quality Management
• Manage Quality
• Control Quality
• Resource Management
• Plan Resource Management
• Estimate Activity Resources
• Acquire Resources
• Develop Team
• Manage Team
• Control Resources
• Communications Management
• Plan Communications Management
• Manage Communications
• Monitor Communications
• Risk Management
• Plan Risk Management
• Identify Risks
• Quantitative Risk Analysis
• Qualitative Risk Analysis
• Plan Risk Responses
• Implement Risk Responses
• Monitor Risks
• Procurement Management
• Plan Procurement Management
• Conduct Procurements
• Control Procurements
• Stakeholder Management
• Identify Stakeholders
• Manage Stakeholder Engagement
• Monitor Stakeholder Engagement

Resource Management

Project Resource Management is a critical aspect of project management, involving processes to identify, acquire, and manage resources necessary for successful project completion. The goal is to ensure the availability of the right resources to the project manager and project team at the right time and place.

Plan Resource Management is a process that involves defining methods to estimate, acquire, manage, and utilize resources. These resources can be physical, such as equipment, materials, facilities, and infrastructure, or team resources, referring to the human resources involved in the project.

Estimate Activity Resources is a process that involves estimating the team resources required for a project, including the type and quantities of material, equipment, and supplies needed for project work.

Acquire Resources involves obtaining necessary resources to complete project work. The aim is to gather all necessary elements to ensure the successful completion of the project.

Develop Team focuses on improving competencies, team member interaction, and the overall team environment to enhance project performance. This process involves improving skills, fostering collaboration, and creating a conducive work environment.

Manage Team involves tracking the performance of team members, providing feedback, resolving issues, and managing team changes to optimize project performance.

Control Resources ensures the physical resources assigned to the project are available as planned. This process involves monitoring the planned versus actual use of resources and performing corrective action as necessary when discrepancies occur.

The skills and competencies required for a project manager to manage team resources differ from those needed to manage physical resources. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective resource management.

Project Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management have some overlap. However, Project Resource Management focuses on the stakeholders who constitute the project team. This focus ensures that the team members, who are critical stakeholders in the project, are effectively managed and their needs are addressed.

Tailoring Considerations

Tailoring the application of Project Resource Management processes is essential due to the unique characteristics of each project. This involves adjusting resource management strategies to suit the specific needs and context of the project.

The diversity background of the team is a crucial factor to consider when tailoring Project Resource Management processes. A diverse team may require different communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and management approaches.

The physical location of team members and resources also influences the tailoring of Project Resource Management processes. For instance, remote teams may require different collaboration tools and communication strategies compared to co-located teams.

Industry-specific resources should be considered in the tailoring of Project Resource Management processes. Certain industries may require specialized resources or skills, which can influence resource planning and management strategies.

The acquisition of team members, whether they are full-time or part-time, affects the tailoring of Project Resource Management processes. The availability and commitment of team members can influence resource allocation and scheduling decisions.

The management of team development, including the use of organizational tools and the need for new ones, is another consideration in tailoring Project Resource Management processes. The tools and techniques used for team development should align with the team's needs and the project's objectives.

Special needs of team members and the requirement for special training to manage diversity should be considered when tailoring Project Resource Management processes. This can involve providing additional support or training to team members to ensure an inclusive and productive work environment.

Lastly, the life cycle approach used on the project plays a role in tailoring Project Resource Management processes. Different project life cycles, such as waterfall or agile, may require different resource management strategies.

Considerations For Agile/Adaptive Environments

I recall a time when I was managing a project for a tech startup. The project was highly variable, with rapid changes being the norm rather than the exception. It was a challenging environment, but it was also an opportunity to see the power of collaboration in action.

In such a dynamic environment, traditional team structures just didn't cut it. We needed a team structure that could enhance focus and collaboration, allowing us to adapt quickly to the ever-changing project landscape. That's when we decided to form self-organizing teams with generalizing specialists. These teams were not only capable of managing their own work but could also adapt their roles to meet the project's evolving needs. This approach promoted flexibility and efficiency, which were crucial in our high-variability project.

Collaboration plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and fostering innovative problem-solving. Collaborative teams can expedite the integration of distinct work activities, leading to improved efficiency. They also foster improved communication and increased knowledge sharing, which can drive innovation and improve project outcomes.

Flexibility of work assignments is another advantage provided by collaborative teams. This flexibility allows team members to adapt their roles based on project needs, enhancing the team's ability to respond to changes.

Collaborative teams are particularly crucial for projects with high variability and rapid changes. In such projects, there is less time for centralized tasking and decision making, making the ability to self-organize and adapt critical.

In high variability projects, planning for physical and human resources can be like trying to hit a moving target. It's less predictable, and you need to be ready to adapt on the fly. Agreements for fast supply and lean methods become crucial in these situations. They can help control costs and keep the schedule on track, ensuring the project stays on course despite the high degree of variability.

Reflecting on my experience with the tech startup, I can attest to the benefits of collaboration in high variability projects. The self-organizing teams we formed were instrumental in navigating the project's rapid changes and ultimately driving it to success. It was a powerful lesson in the value of adaptability and collaboration in project resource management.

Trends And Emerging Practices In Project Resource Management

The landscape of project resource management is undergoing a significant transformation. The traditional command and control structure is making way for a more collaborative and supportive approach. This contemporary method places power in the hands of the team members, entrusting them with decision-making responsibilities and optimizing resource utilization in the process.

Several trends are shaping resource management, including lean management, just in-time (JIT) manufacturing, Kaizen, total productive maintenance (TPM), and theory of constraints (TOC). These methods have emerged in response to the scarcity of critical resources in some industries.

Emotional intelligence (EI) is becoming increasingly important in project management. EI competencies, such as self-management, self-awareness, and relationship management, are crucial for project managers. Developing team emotional intelligence can lead to more effective teams and reduced staff turnover.

Agile approaches have led to the rise of self-organizing teams that operate without centralized control. In such teams, the project manager's role is to provide the necessary environment and support, trusting the team to complete the work. These teams are typically composed of generalized specialists who continuously adapt to changes and embrace constructive feedback.

As projects stretch their wings across the globe, the necessity for virtual teams has become more pronounced. These teams, though working on the same project, are scattered across different locations. Thanks to advancements in communication technology—email, audio conferencing, social media, web-based meetings, and video conferencing—virtual teams have become a feasible reality. They offer a plethora of unique benefits, such as leveraging specialized expertise irrespective of geographic boundaries, accommodating remote employees, and including individuals with mobility limitations or disabilities. However, the management of virtual teams also brings its set of challenges, predominantly in the communication sphere. These can range from feelings of isolation and gaps in knowledge sharing to difficulties in tracking progress, time zone differences, and cultural disparities.

• Project Resource Management
• Tailoring Considerations
• Considerations For Agile Environments
• Trends And Emerging Practices In Project Resource Management