What is resource allocation

The task, therefore, lies with the project manager to determine the proper timing and allocation of those resources within the project schedule. So, what is resource allocation in project management? It is the management and delegation of resources throughout a project to ensure that it runs as smoothly and successfully as possible. Guide overview 1. Project Management Basics 2. Project Management Methodologies 3. Project Lifecycle 4. They need to work with department heads in development, IT, creative, content, and others whose direct reports will be asked to contribute to the project.

Some companies and agencies have a traffic or resource manager who can take a high-level view on who in which department is doing what during the time frame in question. We got a request for eight to ten hours of copywriting and editing four web pages. Occasionally, over the course of a long project where the creative people are working closely with clients or internal stakeholders, a creative resource might be asked for by name.

If a project needs a mini campaign of, say, banner ads, and the client knows a specific writer has skill in that area, the client might request that specific writer to be allocated to the project.

The project manager would typically have the final say over which resources are allocated to a project. There are several factors that can affect resource allocation, whether you are in an agency-client situation or working on an in-house project.

Here are five factors that can pose a challenge to resource allocation or lead to resources needing to be re-allocated:. For example, a small project may arise while your team is working on a bigger project for the same client, and the client would like the smaller project completed in three days.

The project manager must find out who on staff may have time to work on the new project, and, if no one does, quickly find a contractor to do the job. The project manager needs to decide if that person can handle the UX project in the time allotted, or if a contractor or another resource needs to be found.

Another alternative might be that the staff UX person and a contractor could split the work. The project manager works with the head of UX to find out how to get the appropriate UX resource selected for and allocated to the project. One challenge that often arises is being able to select specific resources. In a typical digital project, for instance, a group of developers might need to write code or a script for certain functionality before any creative or content work can be done.

The copywriter needs to attend the kickoff and other meetings to begin working on content strategy, but the website wireframes need to be built and content models created before the bulk of the copywriting can begin. In some situations, a project manager might allocate five hours per week to a writer over 12 weeks, taking his best guess on when that writing might happen.

In the early weeks of a project, the likelihood of that writer needing to create actual copy is probably fairly low. Urgency Compared with Other Projects In many agencies, the most important clients and projects will often trump smaller requests or at least push them back on the schedule.

A smaller, quick-turn design ask is not likely to be something for which you would pull your lead designer off a months-long product launch project. The project manager and department heads need to weigh the urgency and importance of each project, and allocate resources accordingly.

In the case of smaller projects with quick turnaround times, contractors can be a good solution. A project manager will typically work with department heads to estimate how many hours a project will require.

Forecast automates more admin work than ever. Sign up for a free day trial. Watch now! Resource allocation is an assignment of resources to a specific use. In a project-based company, a resource allocation can be assigning a person to a project or task. Factors like resource availability and time needed for various roles in a project are considered.

The process of allocating resources is a part of resource management. Resource management and scheduling tools are often used for this practice. Add some rocket fuel to your projects.