HKSM

The planning process used to figure out what people are needed and to quantify the types and amounts of materials, equipment, and supplies required to complete the project activities.

Key Points

• Determines labor needs (skills, roles, quantities) for each activity.
• Calculates the kinds and amounts of materials, equipment, and consumables required.
• Produces resource requirements and the basis of estimates; may create a resource breakdown structure.
• Informs scheduling and cost estimating and is refined as plans and risks evolve.

Example

On a website launch project, the team estimates that the "Build API" activity needs 2 backend developers for 3 weeks, 1 QA tester for 1 week, a staging server for 2 weeks, and test data sets. For "UX Validation," they estimate 1 UX researcher for 1 week, 10 participant incentives, and 5 tablets for usability testing.

PMP Example Question

Which process determines the number and types of team members and the quantities of materials and equipment needed for each activity?

1. Develop Team
2. Estimate Costs
3. Estimate Activity Resources
4. Acquire Resources

Correct Answer: C — Estimate Activity Resources

Explanation: Estimate Activity Resources identifies the people, materials, equipment, and supplies needed for activities. Acquire Resources obtains those resources; Estimate Costs focuses on monetary values; Develop Team improves team competencies.