NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND WATER ENGINEERING

PROJECT MANAGEMENT & PROFFESIONAL ETHICS - ECW 3211

PROJECT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
GROUP 6
MEMBERS
 GROUP MEMBERS
 SITHOLE ADORNIS. A N02220713L
 PHIRI SHAWN. B N02221192X
 MUCHADONHA RYAN. T N02221202T
 ZHOU WILLIAM. T N02221199Y
 MURAMBWI TINOTENDA N02220678D
 MSIPA JOSEPH. T N02218859P
 MAPINYI TINASHE N02019187W
 MAKOMBE LLOYD N. N02220073W
 SIBANDA AVIATOR M N02218367V
INTRODUCTION
PROJECT RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

 Project resource management is the process of planning,

allocating, and monitoring resources like people, budget,
equipment, and materials.
 Project resource management in civil engineering refers to the
process of effectively planning, allocating, and monitoring
resources—such as labor, materials, equipment, time, and
finances—to ensure the successful completion of a construction
or infrastructure project.
IMPORTANCE OF PROJECT RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
 Timely completion
 Cost control
 Efficient us of resources
 Collaboration
 Quality assurance
 Sustainability
 Risk mitigation
TYPES OF PROJECT AND ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES

Project resources can be simply defined as anything needed to execute project tasks,
including the people executing the work. Here are some examples of project
resources.

 Time

 Raw materials

 Human resources

 Machinery and equipment

 Financial resources

 Information and data

TYPES OF PROJECT AND
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES
 Time resources are the periods of time available and used for the completion of each
task. These resources are not inexhaustible: they have limits, hence the importance of
knowing how to manage them to achieve your objectives e.g. project plan, project
schedule, time invested.

 The financial resources correspond to the project budget, which will be defined prior
to the launch by the project sponsor and are used to finance the human and material
resources of the project, generally covering:

- remuneration of the actors of the project

- the purchase of material resources or their rental, other costs, such as travel expenses.
TYPES OF PROJECT AND
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCES
 Material resources include raw materials and machines, tools, equipment, software, premises, etc.

 They include both resources that the company already possesses and those that it purchases or leases to
carry out the project.

 They can be goods that are temporarily made available for the project, which can be used again later, but
also consumables that can be used in a given quantity and that have a unit cost.

 Human Resources, also known as work resources, are the most important because they are the ones who
do the work eg technical skills, knowledge, business expertise,

 They contribute to carrying out the tasks necessary for the smooth running and completion of the project.
KEY COMPONENTS OF RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT

 Resource analysis: The process of gauging your current resource availability to determine what resources
are missing for executing a project or action plan.

 Resource planning: A resource plan explains what your project resource requirements are and how they’ll
be met. More importantly, it guides the team when it comes to resource management, so it should include
information such as general guidelines, a description of your project resources, their quantities and when
they’re needed.

 Resource allocation: Resource allocation is an ongoing process that’s simply defined as picking the right
resources at the right time to achieve project tasks. For example, there are critical tasks that need to be
prioritized when creating the resource schedule.

 Resource scheduling: You then need to ensure that those resources are readily available. To do so, you’ll
need to simply align your resource scheduling with your overall project schedule and have a solid supply
chain in place.
 Resource tracking: You’ll need to keep track of the performance of your team. Use timesheets, workload
charts and other resource management tools to track the work of your team members
IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
 Greatly facilitates the budgeting process and helps avoid unexpected costs, delays and other issues
during the project execution.

 Helps maximize resource utilization rate and resource efficiency which have a direct impact on the
profitability of a business in industries like construction and manufacturing.

 Resources can be strategically allocated to finish projects in time when they’re behind schedule.

 Allows organizations to ensure they’re well-equipped for future challenges, such as meeting estimated
customer demand or implementing long-term projects and programs.
 Increased project success.
 Increased employee morale.
 Effective use of existing resources.
 More successful future projects.
 Improved project flow.
BENEFITS OF PROJECT RESOURCE
MANAGEMENT
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES
 Project managers must do their best to estimate what resources are needed for a project and how those
resource requirements fit with the organization’s current plans. To do this, you must define :

1. Project scope: to identify all project tasks and their required resources.

2. Resource capacity planning: the process of ensuring resource capacity is sufficient to execute a project.

3. Resource allocation: A technique that consists of determining the maximum number of work hours
employees can be allocated and ensuring that 100% of their time is utilized throughout a project.

4. Resource levelling: By thoroughly understanding what your team members can offer, you can assign
tasks based on their abilities to maximize resource efficiency.

5. Resource tracking: Keeping track of resource utilization to spot any resources that aren’t being used
efficiently. Then they can simply reallocate those resources or change the resource management plan.

6. Resource smoothing: Consists of delaying non-critical tasks to complete a project on time with the
available resources. This is done by using the slack or float on each of those tasks to delay them without
affecting the critical path.
RESOURCE LEVELLING/SMOOTHING
PROJECT RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TOOLS AND
SOFTWARE

 Project resource management tools help allocate resources more efficiently, minimize overloads, and
predict potential roadblocks.

 Here are some common tools for boosting resource management:

1. Timeline tools

- At a glance, you can see when tasks start and end, and who’s responsible. Timeline tools help you spot
delays before they become big problems.

2. Project resource planning tools

- With them, you balance workloads better and make sure no one’s swamped or has too little work.

3. Project resource management tools

- Project resource management software combines features of both timeline and resource planning tools.
RESOURCE
PLANNING
RESOURCE PLANNING

 This refers to managing people, equipment, materials, and budget to complete a

project.
• The following are steps taken in resource planning:
- Identify and allocate resources
- Check availability (internal/external)
- Optimize usage
• Benefits:
- Prevents shortages/excess
- Reduces cost
- Smooth execution
ESTIMATING RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS

• Purpose: Predict type and quantity of resources for tasks

• Methods:
- Expert Judgment
- Analogous, Parametric, Bottom-Up
- Three-Point Estimation
• Factors:
- Scope, complexity, skill level
- Availability, budget
TOOLS FOR RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

 • Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS):

 - Levels: Category → Subcategory → Specific resource
 - Helps with tracking, budgeting
 • Resource Calendars:
 - Types: Team, Equipment, Project
 - Shows availability, resolves conflicts
 - Improves workload balance and coordination
 RESOURCE
ALLOCATION
RESOURCE ALLOCATION

 It’s the assigning of people , equipment, materials and budgets to projects tasks .This ensures timely
project delivery, reduces waste ( materials , time , costs) and aligns with safety and quality standards

1. Matching Resources with Tasks

 This is the process of identifying project scope and deliverables
 Mapping resource types ( labor , machinery , materials ) to tasks ( e.g. excavation , concrete
pouring ) ,heavy machinery ( excavators ) for earthworks ,skilled labor (engineers , surveyors ) for
design validation.
2. Prioritizing tasks
 Some of the methods used are Critical Path Method(CPM) for timelines , Moscow Matrix ( Must –
have , Should – have , Could-have ).
 The focus is to have safety –critical tasks first ( e.g. shoring trenches ) , compliance with regulatory
deadlines ( e.g. environmental permits .
Software and Tools for resource Management

 Primavera P6
- Complex project portfolios ( common in infrastructure )
 Microsoft Project
- Scheduling and resource leveling
 BIM Software
- 3D resource visualization
 RESOURCE
SCHEDULING
Resource scheduling
 Ensures that the right resources (people, equipment, materials, and budget) are allocated efficiently
to tasks over the project timeline.
 The key Aspects of Resource Scheduling include:
 Resource Identification - Determine what resources (human, equipment, materials, etc.) are needed
for each task. Assess skill sets, availability, and constraints (e.g., part-time vs. full-time availability).
 Resource Allocation - Assign resources to tasks based on priority, dependencies, and availability,
avoid over allocation (assigning too much work to a resource) or underutilization (resources sitting
idle).
Scheduling Techniques
Gantt Chart: A visual representation of tasks, timelines, and resource assignments.

Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifies the longest path of tasks to determine project duration.

Agile Resource Scheduling: Flexible allocation in sprints, adjusting based on team capacity.
RESOURCE SCHEDULING
Benefits of Effective Resource Scheduling
Optimized Productivity – Ensures resources are used efficiently.

Cost Control – Prevents unnecessary overtime or idle time.

 Risk Mitigation – Identifies shortages early and allows proactive adjustments.

 Improved Team Morale – Avoids burnout due to unrealistic workloads.

Challenges in Resource Scheduling

 Conflicting Priorities – Multiple projects competing for the same resources.
 Uncertain Availability – Team members may be on leave or reassigned.
 Changing Project Scope – New tasks may require reallocation.
RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION
RESOURCE OPTIMIZATION

 This is the process of efficiently allocating and utilizing resources

(labor, equipment, materials, time, and budget) to maximize
productivity while minimizing waste and costs.
 It ensures that project constraints (time, cost, scope) are balanced
with available resources.
1. RESOURCE LEVELLING

 Definition: Adjusting the project schedule to balance resource

demand, preventing peaks and valleys.

 Purpose: Ensures even resource utilization without exceeding limits.

 Method: Extends project duration or delays non-critical tasks.

 Use Case: When resources (labor, equipment) are constrained.

2. RESOURCE SMOOTHING

 Definition: Adjusting activities within their float to minimize

fluctuations.
 Purpose: Maintains a steady workflow without changing the project
end date.
 Method: Shifts non-critical tasks within available slack.
 Use Case: When time constraints are strict but resource fluctuations
must be reduced.
3. AVOIDING OVER-ALLOCATION

 Definition: Ensuring no resource is assigned beyond capacity.

• Purpose: Prevents burnout, delays, and cost overruns.
•
Method:
• Reassign tasks to underutilized resources.
• Adjust schedules or add resources if necessary.
Use Case: Critical in labor-intensive projects (e.g., concrete pouring,
structural work).
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
ISSUES & SOLTIONS
COMMON RESOURCE MANAGEMENT ISSUES IN
PROJECT MANAGEMENT

 Labor Shortage caused by Skill gaps, high turnover, poor planning.

These often lead to Delays, burnout, higher costs.

 Equipment Downtime caused by Breakdowns, poor maintenance, operator errors.

These lead to Work stoppages, cost spikes, safety risks.

 Material Delays caused by Supply chain issues, late orders, quality rejections.
These lead to Schedule slips, idle resources, penalties.
 Cost Overruns caused by Poor estimates, scope creep, inefficiencies.
These lead to Profit loss, stakeholder distrust.
Solutions

 Supplier diversification, buffer stock, early ordering.

 Accurate budgeting, real-time tracking, contingency funds.
 Workforce planning, training, subcontracting
 Preventive maintenance, backups, operator training.
SUSTAINABILITY IN
RESOURCE USAGE
SUSTAINABILITY IN RESOURCE USAGE

 Sustainability means meeting present needs without compromising future

generations’ ability to meet theirs
 Eco-friendly materials are those that have a minimal negative impact on the
environment, eg bamboo, recycled paper, organic cotton, and bioplastics.
• Using sustainable alternatives reduces dependency on non-renewable resources and
lowers carbon footprints.
• It’s important not only to use these materials but also to ensure they are sourced
ethically and processed in an environmentally responsible way.
WASTE MINIMISATION

• The aim is to reduce the amount of waste generated at every stage of a product’s life
cycle.
• This can be achieved through better design, efficient manufacturing, and consumer
awareness.
• Companies are adopting practices like lean manufacturing and zero-waste production
models.
• Individuals can contribute by reducing consumption, choosing products with minimal
packaging, and avoiding single-use items.
• Digitalization also helps by reducing paper and material waste in offices and schools.
 RECYCLING AND REUSE

• Recycling involves processing used materials into new products, reducing the
need for virgin resources. Common materials recycled include plastics, metals,
paper, and glass.
• Reuse goes a step further by extending the life of products or components
without significant processing — think second-hand goods, refillable
containers, or upcycled furniture.
• Governments and businesses can support these efforts through policies,
incentives, and infrastructure, such as recycling bins and repair services.
• The goal is to keep resources in use for as long as possible, reducing
environmental harm and saving costs.
HOW PROJECT MANAGER HELPS WITH RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 Project Manager is project management software that gives you real-time data to make more insightful
decisions when managing resources.
 Resources and costs can be scheduled with tasks on our Gantt chart project view.
CONCLUSION
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT TIPS & BEST PRACTICES

1. Identify Resource Constraints Before Planning a Project

 For example, a piece of equipment might be scheduled for maintenance, or team members may
be allocated for multiple projects, limiting their availability.

2. Assemble a Cross-Functional Team

 It’s important to assemble a cross-functional team and involve key stakeholders in the resource
forecasting stage to obtain a holistic and accurate view of project resource requirements.

3. Consider the Level of Effort of Your Project Beyond Project Tasks

 For example, transporting resources from a warehouse to the job site or training employees.
KEY TAKEAWAYS

Plan Ahead
 Forecast labor/materials.
 Maintain equipment.
Mitigate Risks
 Diversify suppliers.
 More frequent staff training.
 Monitoring of costs.
Monitor and Adapt
 Track resource usage.
 Adjust proactively.
REFERENCES
 Project Management Institute (PMI). A Guide to the Project Management Body of
Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), 7th Edition. PMI, 2021.
 Kerzner, Harold. Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling,
and Controlling, 12th Edition. Wiley, 2017
 Project Management Institute (PMI). (2021). PMBOK® Guide.
 International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (2014). ISO 55000.
 Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). (2023). APICS CPIM.