8 2 Estimate Activity Resources
8.2 Estimate Activity Resources Explained
Estimate Activity Resources is a critical process in project management that involves identifying and estimating the types, quantities, and characteristics of resources required to perform each activity. This process ensures that the project has the necessary resources to complete its activities on time and within budget. Here, we will delve into four key concepts of Estimate Activity Resources: Resource Requirements, Resource Breakdown Structure, Resource Calendars, and Resource Histograms.
1. Resource Requirements
Resource Requirements involve identifying the types and quantities of resources needed for each activity. This includes human resources (e.g., project managers, engineers, technicians), material resources (e.g., raw materials, equipment), and financial resources (e.g., budget allocations). Accurate resource requirements help in planning and scheduling the project activities effectively.
Example: For a construction project, resource requirements might include the number of construction workers, the types of machinery needed (e.g., excavators, cranes), and the quantities of building materials (e.g., cement, steel). These requirements ensure that the project has the necessary resources to complete each activity on schedule.
2. Resource Breakdown Structure
The Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) is a hierarchical representation of the project resources organized by category and type. The RBS helps in visualizing and managing the project's resource requirements. It provides a clear overview of the resources needed at different levels of the project hierarchy.
Example: In a software development project, the RBS might categorize resources into human resources (e.g., developers, testers), hardware resources (e.g., servers, workstations), and software resources (e.g., development tools, licenses). The RBS helps in organizing and managing these resources efficiently.
3. Resource Calendars
Resource Calendars provide information on the availability of resources over time. These calendars help in scheduling activities and ensuring that the required resources are available when needed. Resource calendars account for factors such as holidays, vacations, and other resource constraints.
Example: For a marketing campaign, a resource calendar might show the availability of the marketing team, including any planned vacations or holidays. This ensures that the campaign activities are scheduled during periods when the team is fully available and can be executed effectively.
4. Resource Histograms
Resource Histograms are graphical representations that show the quantity of resources required over time. These histograms help in visualizing resource usage and identifying potential resource bottlenecks. They provide a clear picture of the resource demand throughout the project lifecycle.
Example: In a manufacturing project, a resource histogram might show the number of workers required each week to meet production targets. Peaks in the histogram indicate periods of high resource demand, which can help in planning for additional resources or adjusting the production schedule to avoid bottlenecks.