Chapter Outline

In previous chapters, we established schedules based on the time element. We assumed that the resources required to perform the individual activities would be available when they were needed. These resources can include people, equipment, machines, tools, facilities, and space. Among the people there may be many different types, such as painters, designers, cooks, computer programmers, and assembly workers.

The consideration of resources adds another dimension to planning and scheduling. In many projects, the amounts of the various types of resources available to perform the project activities are limited. Several activities may require the same resources at the same time, and there may not be sufficient resources available to satisfy all the demands. In a sense, these activities are competing for the use of the same resources. If sufficient resources are not available, some activities may have to be rescheduled for a later time when resources are available for them. Therefore, resources can constrain the project schedule. They can also be an obstacle to completing the project within budget if it is determined that additional resources are needed to complete the project on time.

This chapter covers several approaches to incorporating resource considerations into the project plan and schedule. You will become familiar with

• taking resource constraints into account when developing a network diagram
• determining the planned resource utilization for a project
• leveling the use of resources within the required time frame of the project
• determining the shortest project schedule with the limited resources available

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