CHAPTER V

Project Management with Resource

Scheduling
Prof. S. Magesh
JP Jacobs International University
Understanding Resource Scheduling

• More than just timelines.

• Keeping teams motivated.

• Avoiding overburdening team members.

• Adapting to change quickly.
• Ensuring project success.
Task Breakdown with WBS

• Understand the project scope.

• Break down to individual tasks.

• Use of Work Breakdown Structure

(WBS).
• Example: Digital marketing plan.

• Estimating resources and labor.

Evaluating Resource Capabilities

• Identifying needed equipment/software.

• Deciding between purchasing or leasing.

• Database for team skills.

• Matching tasks with team schedules.
• Deciding on in-house or contracting.
Task Assignment & Availability

• Estimating task duration.

• Avoiding resource overloading.

• Adjusting project team size.

• Onboarding extra resources when

needed.
• Keeping communication transparent.
Identifying and Resolving Bottlenecks

• Adapting to resource availability

changes.
• Use of project scheduling software.
• Real-time adjustments.
• Offering assistance when team members

are stuck.
• Maintaining project flow.
Risk Management for Resources

• Recognizing critical project personnel.

• Potential reassignment scenarios.

• Implementing a contingency plan.

• Analyzing risk impacts.
• Not compromising project goals.
Tracking Time & Activities

• Importance of close project tracking.

• Fine-tuning future resource tasks.
• Implementing time tracking tools.

• Evaluating data for better decisions.

• Ensuring timely project completion.
Resource Leveling Explained

• Resolving resource conflicts.

• Fair resource utilization.

• Avoiding overuse of resources.
• Possible methods: delay, extend,

reallocate.
• Maintaining project efficiency.
Resource Smoothing Insights

• Managing time constraints.

• Meeting project deadlines.

• Avoiding demand peaks and dips.
• Optimizing resource demand curves.
• Ensuring smooth project progression.
Best Practices

• Balancing team motivation with task

assignment.
• Proactive bottleneck identification.
• Being adaptive and agile.
• Leveraging tools for better management.

• Always having a contingency plan.

MEP Risk Management Introduction

• Differentiating "risk" from "uncertainty" in MEP.

• The importance of risk management in MEP
projects.
• Impacts of imperfect knowledge on MEP
decisions.
• Importance of skilled labor and expertise.
• Challenges posed by evolving technology in
MEP.
Risks in MEP Projects

• Challenges in MEP design consistency.

• Risks in sourcing and utilizing materials.
• The complexities of working with diverse
contractors.
• Equipment malfunction and technology
integration issues.
• Balancing new MEP solutions with
established practices.
Defining MEP Risk Management

• Systematic process to mitigate MEP-

related risks.
• Importance of continuous monitoring and
evaluation.
• Alignment with overall project
management goals.
• The role of regulations and standards in
MEP.
• Collaboration across project teams for
effective risk management.
Risk Identification in MEP

• Documenting potential risks in MEP tasks.

• Evaluating the risk universe specific to
MEP.
• Consideration of future risks with
technology evolution.
• Incorporating feedback from past MEP
projects.
• The significance of regular risk
assessments.
MEP Risk Analysis

• Assessing likelihood vs. impact for MEP

risks.
• Categorizing risks: high, medium, or low.
• Prioritizing risks based on project
timelines.
• Understanding the cost implications of
potential risks.
• Collaborative evaluations with MEP
specialists.
Response Planning for MEP Risks

• Creating proactive strategies for

identified risks.
• Importance of flexibility in MEP
project plans.
• Ensuring timely communication across
teams.
• Incorporating contingencies for
unplanned challenges.
• Continuous training and preparedness
for the MEP workforce
MEP Risk Mitigation

• Implementing the response plan

effectively.
• Utilizing technology for monitoring and
control.
• Engaging experts for specialized MEP
challenges.
• Consistent evaluations to ensure risk
reduction.
• Adherence to industry standards and best
practices.
Risk Monitoring in MEP

• Continuous assessment of MEP tasks.

• Adapting to evolving risks in real-time.
• Leveraging feedback for process
improvement.
• Engaging technology for real-time
monitoring.
• Updating risk profiles based on new
insights.
Regulatory Frameworks in MEP

• Importance of adhering to regulations.

• Challenges and opportunities in
compliance.
• The role of standards like PCI-DSS, SOC
2, etc.
• Ensuring documentation and proof of
compliance.
• Training and awareness for the MEP
team.
Conclusion & Future Outlook

• The evolving nature of risk management

in MEP.
• Emphasizing the importance of a
proactive approach.
• The growing role of technology in MEP
risk management.
• Continuous training and development in
the MEP field.
• Aligning risk management with broader
project goals.
Introduction to Uncertainty in Project Management

• Project managers aim for

success.
• Challenges arise
unexpectedly.
• Uncertainties may hinder
development.
• Key is to prepare and adapt.
The Importance of Planning

• Planning predicts potential

challenges.
• Early start addresses
unforeseen issues.
• Planning prevents project
failures.
• Backup plans (Plan B) are
crucial.
Utilizing Decision Milestones

• Experienced managers use

milestones.
• Anticipate and address risks.
• Risk management prevents
disasters.
• Projects can still face issues.
Reducing Uncertainty Elements

• Managers give inflated

estimates.
• Allowances accommodate
unforeseen issues.
• Fewer elements mean
reduced uncertainty.
• Reliable estimates lower
uncertainties.
Strategies for Coping With Uncertainty

• Fixed scopes for fixed

schedules.
• Adjust scope for high-
uncertainty projects.
• Train teams for urgent
matters.
• Flexible adaptation is
essential.
Understanding Project Risks

• Risks can be positive or

negative.
• They impact project
performance.
• Risk management identifies
key factors.
• Strategies to handle or accept
risks.
Contingency Plans for Risks

• Teams prepare for significant

risks.
• Contingency plans are a
must.
• Implement plans when
needed.
• Continuous monitoring and
adaptation.
Adapting to Change & Uncertainty

• Uncertainty is inherent.
• Adaptable managers thrive.
• Agile companies outperform
non-agile.
• Embrace and prepare for
change.
Why Planning for Change Matters

• Changes are inevitable.

• Savvy managers embrace
change.
• Ranged estimates are reliable.
• Proactive approach trumps
reactive.
Benefits of Adaptability

• Foreseeing changes is key.

• Technology and requirements
evolve.
• Anticipate delays and
changes.
• Adaptability builds client
trust.
Flexibility and Business Uncertainty

• Uncertainty is part of
business.
• Top leaders embrace
uncertainty.
• Balance risk with reward.
• Know when to engage risks.
Key Tips for Handling Uncertainty

• Build flexibility into

decisions.
• Show up authentically.
• Embrace ambiguity maturely.
• Change starts with oneself.
Effective Communication and Strategy

• Trust through candid

communication.
• Address changes proactively.
• Value-based decision-making
is key.
• Resilience practices ensure
stability.
Analyzing and Addressing Risks

• Develop worst-case
scenarios.
• Focus on high payoff tasks.
• Risk management plans are
essential.
• Acceptance of the unknown
is key.
Organizational Values and Decision Making

• Core values guide decisions.

• Embrace resilience practices.
• Think globally, act locally.
• Leadership values are crucial.
Embracing Resilience Practices

• Life is inherently uncertain.

• Strengthen strategy with
resilience.
• Mindfulness and gratitude are
key.
• Value relationships and well-
being.
Thinking and Acting Strategically

• Keep a broad business

perspective.
• Focus on immediate controls.
• Stay agile and holistic.
• Adapt to changing
environments.
Leveraging Leadership Core Values

• Keep a broad business

perspective.
• Focus on immediate controls.
• Stay agile and holistic.
• Adapt to changing
environments.
The Difference Between Risk and Genuine Uncertainty

• Challenges in business and

life decisions.
• Desire to reduce unknown
factors.
• Misunderstanding of
uncertainty.
• Profitable opportunities in
uncertain outcomes.
Frank Knight's Perspective

• Knight's 1921 book "Risk,

Uncertainty and Profit."
• Differentiation between risk
and uncertainty.
• Risk has known potential
outcomes.
• Genuine uncertainty has
unpredictable outcomes.
Examples of Risk

• Rolling a pair of dice.

• Known odds for each
possible outcome.
• Basis for games of chance.
• Predictable odds for cards
and dice.
Understanding Genuine Uncertainty

• Occurs in complex systems.

• Interaction of multiple actors
over time.
• The economy as a prime
example.
• Inability to predict outcomes
or probabilities.
Misconceptions of Uncertainty

• Humans as irrational
decision-makers.
• Treating everything as mere
risk.
• Risk of failure increases.
• Confusion between objective
probability and subjective
judgement.
The Paralysis of Uncertainty

• Overemphasis on uncertainty
leads to inaction.
• Human tendency for self-
created delusions.
• Reality checks can be
terrifying.
• We must not let "not
knowing" prevent action.
Managing Genuine Uncertainty

• Different from managing risk.

• Necessity of adapting to
unpredictable outcomes.
• Importance of venturing where
opportunities lie.
• Strategies to cope and thrive
amidst uncertainty.
Strategies: Aggregation

• Using volume to reduce

individual uncertainties.
• Car insurance as an example.
• Venturing multiple ideas to find
one great one.
• Venture capital approach:
diverse and numerous
investments.
Seeking Out Uncertainty

• Embrace uncertainty for greater

rewards.
• Innovation has higher returns
than perceived risks.
• Acceptance of failure in some
ideas.
• Creative destruction through trial
and error.
Differentiating Risk and Uncertainty

• Importance of discerning between

the two.
• Different situations demand varied
responses.
• Erroneous approach from
confusing the two.
• Aim for better risk management by
understanding uncertainty.
Embracing Change and Uncertainty

• Flexibility in approach.
• Agile project management for
dynamic projects.
• Implementation of riskier features
first.
• Adjusting scope while maintaining
timelines.
Identifying and Planning for Risks

• Recognize areas with the most risk.

• Allocate extra time where risks are
high.
• Incorporate past experiences and
tribal knowledge.
• Use data and tools to predict
outcomes with probability.
Conclusion: Embracing Uncertainty and Risk

• Understanding Difference: Recognize and distinguish between genuine uncertainty

and risk for better decision-making.
• Proactive Approach: Rather than shying away, actively seek out uncertainty for
unparalleled growth and innovation opportunities.
• Strategic Implementation: Use tools, data, and past experiences to navigate through
uncertainty and manage risks.
• Balanced Mindset: Avoid paralysis by overemphasizing uncertainty and the
potential for failure; embrace the unknown as a pathway to success.
• Continuous Learning: As we venture into the uncertain, every experience - success
or failure - becomes a stepping stone for future endeavors.