POOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION.
Poor resource allocation is a reasonably common cause for project failure. This topic, as are so many of the other topics, is wide and much could be written about it. It is Friday so let us keep this as short as possible.
What are project resources?
The project manager’s resources may include his team, project funds, equipment, materials, suppliers, time, software, subcontractors. In other words, whatever the project manager requires in order to execute and complete the project is a project resource. We at Vincula also believe your contracts are not only a “tool” but one of your most important resources and should be used and applied.
How do you allocate your resources poorly?
If your project goals are not clear and/or if the project is not meticulously planned, then you will find that you will easily allocate your resources poorly.
We would say that a skills mismatch is the biggest mistake you can make when it comes to poor resource allocation. The examples are unlimited and appear in every industry, from construction to IT.
A close second would be a bad choice of sub contractor. Visit Vinculaholdings.com and have a look at the intro for more details.
Thirdly, to over work a member of the team or the team as a whole.
Fourthly, allocating budget incorrectly, is a project killer.
Poor resource allocation can be prevented.
Understand the scope, client expectations, the site, contractual risks and obligations, and the specifications you have to comply with. Once the above is clear, plan the execution properly (perhaps even to a WBS level 4) and allocate your resources accordingly.
So often it happens that you have an extremely limited time within which to quote and a proper planning session is out of the question. We suggest that, in these instances, you quote based on assumptions, and you clearly state the assumptions in your bid.
Projects seldom fail because teams do not work hard enough; they fail because their resources were not aligned with the real demands of the work. Clear scope, realistic planning, and honest assumptions go a long way toward preventing that. Enjoy your Friday, weekend — and allocate your weekend wisely too.
