Schedule First or Resource Planning First?¶

Decision¶

Create a technically plausible schedule first. Then add resource demand and capacity checks. In capacity-critical projects, schedule planning and resource planning then continue iteratively.

Why the Schedule Comes First¶

Resource demand arises from tasks, time periods, and effort. If tasks, subprojects, and dependencies are not yet plausible, capacity calculation is not reliable either.

Start with:

• project structure

• tasks

• milestones

• dependencies

• critical path

• float and reserve times

When to Include Resources Earlier¶

Resources should be considered early when:

• a few key people determine the project date

• specific professional qualifications are scarce

• machinery or equipment is limiting

• several projects use the same resource pool

• the finish date can only be reached with realistically available capacity

Recommended Sequence¶

1. Build project structure and scheduling logic.

2. Plan rough resource demand by professional qualification.

3. Perform capacity balancing.

4. Stabilize the schedule based on identified bottlenecks.

5. Assign employees bindingly.

6. Check utilization and date impact again.

Decision Table¶

Related Topics¶

• Project Planning

• Plan Resource Demand by Qualifications

• Perform Capacity Balancing