If the correct resources are not available or made available to the project team then delivering a successful project is extremely difficult and will be fraught with many issues such as delays and costs increases. Without having the project team resourced adequately the project is beings set up to fail, that is how important it is. The following resources are critical in project management but depending on the size of the delivery the ask of them may be different. Project Manager / Program Manager / Business Analyst / Solution Architect (can be called also Solutions Engineer), Testing Manager, Business stakeholders, Project Sponsor, Build team. See some important points below.

• Resource each project with individuals who have the correct and adequate skill set needed for success.

• As noted above specialist skills are needed, Business Analysts for Requirements management, Solutions Architects for technical design and system knowledge. The solutions architect role can overlap and be meshed into the build team. Each organization structure is different.

• If certain resources are not available to the project team then the project/program manager needs to manage this accordingly.

• For example if a Business Analyst is not available, the project manager will most likely be deemed with managing all facets of the requirements gathering phase.

• If a dedicated Program manager has not been hired then the Project Manager essentially ends up double jobbing by becoming the program manager. Differences in Program vs Project Managers are explained in a future blog.

• It is not uncommon for hired Project Managers to be triple jobbing, i.e. be a Project Manager, Program manager and a Business Analyst

• Once resources are known you need to forward a resource plan to all known and agreed resources.

• Pre book resources if this is an option (can be changed if needed). Some companies use online resource management tools to do this.

• Manage resources for multiple projects across wider programs.

• Juggle resources with other Project Managers so that all project tasks are resourced.

• Be prepared to cancel and rebook resources.

• Estimate duration of tasks with resources and manage accordingly.

• Factor in resources holidays when developing resource and project plans.

• Factor in resources BAU tasks when developing resource and project plans.

• Be comfortable using resource allocation systems, such as NetSuite

• Once you follow the points above resource management of project will become easier.👍