Technology Projects: Resource Management

When conducting a health check or a lookback on a technology project, it's crucial to assess the resource management aspects of the project. Resource management involves effectively allocating and utilizing resources, both human and non-human, to ensure project success. Here are some key resource management questions to ask:

1. Resource Planning:

• How were the resource requirements determined for the project?
• Were the necessary resources (human, financial, technological) identified and accounted for in the project plan?
• Were there any gaps or deficiencies in the initial resource planning?

2. Resource Allocation:

• How were resources allocated to the project tasks and activities?
• Were the assigned resources aligned with their skills, expertise, and availability?
• Were there any challenges or conflicts in resource allocation?

3. Resource Availability and Capacity:

• Were the required resources available when needed throughout the project?
• Were there any resource shortages or constraints that impacted project delivery?
• Was there a clear understanding of resource capacity and limitations?

4. Team Composition and Skills:

• Did the project team possess the necessary skills and expertise to successfully deliver the project?
• Were the team members adequately trained and competent in their assigned roles?
• Were there any gaps in team composition or skill sets that affected project performance?

5. Workload Management:

• How was the workload distributed and managed among team members?
• Were the workloads balanced to ensure optimal productivity and prevent burnout?
• Were there any instances of resource overloading or underutilization?

6. Communication and Collaboration:

• How effectively did the project team communicate and collaborate?
• Were there any communication gaps or breakdowns that affected resource management?
• Were there mechanisms in place to facilitate effective communication and knowledge sharing among team members?

7. Resource Dependencies and Constraints:

• Were there any external dependencies or constraints that impacted resource management?
• Were the dependencies and constraints identified and addressed in a timely manner?
• Were there any bottlenecks or delays caused by resource dependencies?

8. Performance Evaluation:

• Were there mechanisms in place to monitor and evaluate resource performance?
• Were performance metrics and goals established for the project team?
• Were there any performance issues or underperformance that affected project outcomes?

9. Resource Contingency Planning:

• Was there a contingency plan in place to address unforeseen resource challenges or shortages?
• Were alternative resources or backup plans identified to mitigate risks?
• How well was the project team able to adapt and respond to resource-related issues?

10. Lessons Learned and Improvement:

• Were lessons learned captured and documented regarding resource management throughout the project?
• Were the lessons learned shared with relevant stakeholders and future project teams?
• What steps have been taken or will be taken to improve resource management in future projects?