Page 218 - DCAP304_DCAP515_SOFTWARE_PROJECT_MANAGEMENT

Software Project Management

Notes  Historical information as to what types of resources were required for similar work on
previous projects is valuable input. In many instances there are industry standards available
that you can consult.
 The scope statement contains the project justification and the project objectives which
should be considered.
 A resource pool description is another useful input. It constitutes knowledge of what
resources (people, equipment and material) are potentially available.

Resource Estimation

Resource estimation is a structured prediction of the cost and other resources required to execute
a task. One of the primary functions of the process is to establish a control basis. Therefore, the
more accurate the estimation, the more reliable the control system becomes.
The required accuracy and effort going into resource estimation can be influenced by the element
of uncertainty and risk involved because of technical complexity and novelty of the project. The
expected price basis of the contract could make resource estimation a critical factor. The higher the
risk the more important it becomes to have a realistic estimation, which implies a more detailed
process.
The amount of effort that it will take to complete a task is also important. Effort is determined
by the time it will take to complete a task. Once you understand the effort that’s required for a
project, you can assign resources to determine how long the project will take and estimate
human resources and other resource costs.
A properly documented Resource Plan will specify the exact quantities of human resources,
equipment and materials needed to complete your project.

Resource Acquisition

Resource acquisition refers to the process of physically securing the necessary inputs. All resources
required have to be paid for in some way or another. The financing of a project therefore plays
an essential role in the acquisition process.
The acquisition process must be managed properly to take care of possible seasonal shortages,
labour disputes, equipment breakdowns, competing demands, delayed deliveries and other
things that may go wrong. The project plan may have to be modified to accommodate or work
around supply problems.

Resource Levelling

Resource levelling is the process that ensures resource demand does not exceed resource
availability and vice versa. We don’t want extreme peaks and valleys in the execution of the
tasks. The first step is usually to move non critical tasks with float to a later date. If you are forced
to reschedule a task on the critical path it would influence the completion dates of successive
tasks. Check to see whether it will have an influence on meeting the project deadline.

Human Resource Planning

We use a responsibility assignment matrix to allocate roles and responsibilities. The WBS is the
primary document for doing this. List the project activities on the left-hand side of the matrix
and role-players on top of the matrix. List a brief description of the work to be done in the matrix
cells. After completion of the RAM you will know exactly who will do what on the project and

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