Resource Management – The Basics

Resource Management Knowledge Area was earlier known as Human Resource Management. Before proceeding further, it is advisable to understand What is a Resource in Project Management.

The processes included in Resource Management are about identifying, acquiring and managing the resources that are needed for the project. These processes ensure that the right resources will be available to the project manager and the project team and at the right time (and place!)

Below are the processes of Resource Management knowledge area,

Plan Resource Management

This is the process of defining how to estimate, acquire, manage and utilize physical as well as team resources.

Estimate Activity Resources

This is the process of estimating team resources as well as the type and quantities of material, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the project work.

Acquire Resources

This is the process of obtaining team members, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies and other resources necessary to complete the project work.

Develop Team

This is the process of improving competencies, team member interaction and the overall team environment to enhance the project performance.

Manage Team

This is the process of tracking team member performance, providing feedback, resolving issues and managing team changes to optimize project performance.

Control Resources

This is the process of ensuring that the physical resources assigned and allocated to the project are available as planned. This process also includes monitoring the planned versus actual use of resources, and performing corrective actions as required.

Team Resources vs Physical Resources

The Project Manager needs different skills to manage team resources and physical resources.

Physical resources include equipment, materials, facilities and infrastructure. Meanwhile, team resources or personnel refer to the human resources. Personnel may have varied skill sets, may be assigned full- or part-time and may be added or removed from the project team as the project progresses.

Note that there is some overlap between Project Resource Management and Project Stakeholder Management. Resource Management focuses on the subset of stakeholders who make up the project team.

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