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TEAMFLY CHAPTER 4.4

PRACTICAL RESOURCE SCHEDULING

Practical resource scheduling is best achieved via a balance of long-term re-
source aggregation (analysis of predicted resource loads) and short-term re-
source leveling (possibly with user intervention). Resource aggregation is the
tally of effort for each resource for each time period. These results can be
viewed in resource histograms or resource tables (spreadsheets). Resource level-
ing is not required.

For a long-term evaluation, use resource aggregation to observe the poten-
tial impact on resources. Generally, a coarse view (weekly for a project over six
months) will be sufficient. Identify periods of potential overloads. Identify
strategic alternatives (shifting priorities, delaying lower priority projects, out-
sourcing, extra hires, overtime, reducing scope, reducing quality, panic, bury-
ing head in sand).

Tip There is no justification for producing a resource sched-
ule, to four decimal places, way out into the future, when we
can usually be assured that significant changes to the task
schedule, to the available resources, and even to the workscope
will nullify the results of that effort.

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