Resource Management

Question 1

what is the definition of resource scheduling

Answer 1

Resource scheduling is a collection of techniques used to calculate the resources required to deliver the work and when they will be required.

Question 2

what are the two types of resources that can be identified as used on projects.

Answer 2

1. ‘Replenishable’ (Consumables) resources include items such as raw materials and money. Once they are used up they are no longer available and fresh quantities are required
2. ‘Re-usable’ resources are items such as people, plant machinery, facilities and equipment. These are available for use elsewhere once they have completed the tasks assigned to them.

Question 3

what are the 3 steps of the resource scheduling process

Answer 3

1. Allocation – identify what resources and number of units of resource are required
2. Aggregation – totalling the units of resource per time period to generate a histogram and accumulate these figures to generate an S-curve
3. Scheduling – where resources are limited, schedule the project to optimise delivery based on resource availability

Question 4

what 3 things does scheduling the resources enhance

Answer 4

1. efficient and effective resource utilisation
2. confidence that the schedule is realistic
3. early identification of resource capacity bottlenecks and conflicts.

Question 5

what are examples of problems that can prevent the schedule being achieved

Answer 5

• the resources are unavailable (whether already assigned to other work or the schedule requires more resources than are employed)
• there may be physical constraints on the number of resources that can work on the project at the same time.

Question 6

what are the 2 options for obtaining a smoother schedule profile

Answer 6

Resource-limited Scheduling – Levelling: Levelling involves scheduling the activities such that a defined resource limit is not exceeded. No time limit is placed on the schedule and tasks will take place when the resources are there

Time-limited Scheduling – Smoothing: Smoothing is used when the end date is fixed and resources are to be expended to meet that end date. Duration is paramount but you still need to achieve best use of resources. Activities are rescheduled within their available total float to achieve a profile which is as smooth as possible.

Question 7

what are typical options for rearranging activities

Answer 7

• delay an activity within its float to a period when resources are available
• stretch an activity by using resources at a lower rate
• compress an activity by using resources at a higher rate
• alter the profile of resource usage across the duration of the activity
• split an activity so that the resulting smaller activities can make use of pockets of resource availability
• alter the logic of the network to allow activities to start earlier
• recruit more resource
• provide training to develop multi-skilled resource
• employ alternative (less labour intensive) working methods
• work overtime
• modify the calendar work periods – change from a five-day week to a six-day week, or extend the shift length from eight hours to 10 hours per shift.

Question 8

describe the ‘S’ curve in resource scheduling

Answer 8

The final stage in the resource management process is to take the total resource units for each time period and create a set of cumulative figures for each time period on the calendar This will create a spend profile for the project resources.

Question 9

what are 8 advantages of scheduling software tools

Answer 9

1. the schedule is easier to maintain
2. current status can easily be shown against original baseline
3. it can be automatically integrated h resource planning and earned value
4. it provides electronic storage, distribution and access
5. has good reporting facilities
6. automatically calculates critical path, float and resource profiles and cost information
7. automatically handles calendar issues as non-working days and shutdowns
8. can simulate different what-if scenarios

Question 10

what are 6 disadvantages of scheduling software tools

Answer 10

1. modern packages are sophisticated and need a long learn curve
2. many users may only use a small fraction of capability and have difficulty accessing areas required
3. due to automation errors in setting up parameters will cause scheduling errors and may be difficult to detect
4. for larger projects the interaction between tasks can be complex and makes it difficult why results have been produced
5. the software can give a false sense of security as most assume future is always on plan even if earlier tasks have slipped
6. concentration on critical path will indicate all is well if these items are on plan even if non-critical items have slipped