Page 217 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Unit 11: Resource Allocation

In the lab, set up the test computers for dual or triple startup so that testers can quickly access the Notes
mode they need to install and test their applications.

Example: If you follow the strategy suggested in “Testing Applications” later in this
unit, you might need Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 to test the applications through the
upgrade path. To make it easy for testers to restore the computers to their prior state, make disk
images of the drives with the base operating systems.

Consider whether you need to connect the lab to the corporate network. For example, you
might need access to network shares for installing applications from the network or to your
corporate intranet if you develop a Web-based test tracking system. If you need such access, first
verify that the protocol stacks used on the client computers are compatible with your production
network.
If your test lab is large, you might decide to assign a lab manager. Because the skills required to
run a lab and to manage testing are so different, consider selecting different people for the two
roles. While the lab manager needs to have strong technical skills, the testing manager needs to
have strong managerial and communication skills.

Resources are the means we use to achieve project objectives. The primary resource is obviously
people with applicable skills and competencies. The other main grouping of resources we need
includes capital, facilities, equipment, material and information. There is usually a gap between
the investment reach of a project and the project demands. See diagram below

Figure 11.1

In order to ensure a cost effective application of required resources we must perform a proper
needs analysis in order to define the project goals and objectives. The project’s baseline that
must be resourced will be known after a requirement specification has been completed. The
WBS is the base document for determining resource requirements.

Task The requirement specification will spell out the real requirements to achieve through
the specific project. Explain

Inputs to Resource Planning

 The WBS identifies the project elements that will need resources. It is therefore the primary
input to resource planning.

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 211