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In this week assignment, I learned more about project scheduling and tools used in scheduling when there are resource constraints. In this case, PERT/CPM is almost always infeasible in practice. This chapter gives and insight into how to do scheduling with resources constraint.
Projects without Resource Constraints
Project resources can be classified in several ways such as based on accounting principles, resource availability, or classified as constrained vs. unconstrained resources (Shtub & Rosenwein, 2017). Examples of resources based on accounting principles are labor costs, material costs, and other costs. Based on their availability, resources can be categorized as renewable resources and depletable resources. Unconstrained resources are those that are available in unlimited quantity for a fixed cost while the other type of resources is those that are very expensive. Some projects might not have resource constraints such as a millionaire might have an unlimited budget to build a house or to buy a car. However, most of the time, even when a project does not have resources constraints, it can still have time constraint. Time constraint refers to the limitation on the start and end ties of a project (Harris, 2019). For example, a billionaire might have unlimited budget to build a house but he might demand that the house be done within a year. Another constraint that is often encountered is scope constraint. Most of the time the best project management is to balance all project constraints. If the resources and time are limited, a project manager might have to have to ask the project stakeholder whether any of the remaining deliverables can be dropped so that the time and budget constraints can still be met (https://www.workfront.com).
Impact of Scheduling and Resource Allocation in Multiproject Organization
In a multiproject organization, resources are usually limited. Coupling with having to work on several projects at the same time, allocation of limited resources is of utmost importance. The art of allocating resources to accommodate different projects to meet the projects timelines lies in scheduling. A good planning, scheduling, and resource management can help the projects run smoothly. However, if there is a large fluctuation in demand of project resources, it can cause a domino effect on schedules of all the projects. When fluctuation occurs, the resources allocation and scheduling need to be rethought. Prioritization will be needed in order to minimize the effect of resource fluctuation.
Conclusion
Project scheduling is very important in project management especially when resources are constrained. The complexity of the project and the number of projects an organization is undertaking greatly increase the importance of scheduling and resource allocation. Prioritization is needed when a large fluctuation of demand in resources occurs in order to minimize the costs and time.
References
Harris, M. R. (2019, August 8). What Are the Differences Between Time Constraints & Resource Constraints in a Project? Small Business – Chron.com. https://smallbusiness.chron.com/differences-between-time-constraints-resource-constraints-project-35756.html.
Project Constraints. The 6 Project Constraints & How to Manage Them | Adobe Workfront. (n.d.). https://www.workfront.com/project-management/knowledge-areas/project-constraints.
Shtub, A., Rosenwein, M. (2017). Project Management: Processes, Methodologies, and Economics 3rd ed. Pearson.
Reflection and Discussion Week 9.docx (24.42 KB)
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