SAP B1 blog

Nevertheless, it is helpful to draw up a "guideline" for human resource management in projects so that at least some orientation is provided and conflicts can be avoided. The basis for such a guideline can be the category of the project. There are three different variants here: projects in development, contract projects and projects within the company.

Human Resource Management in Project Management

Resources for Projects under development are comparatively easy to calculate, as the project management itself defines the resources. The responsibility here lies entirely with the project management and its estimates. Still a challenge, but more predictable than with Contract projects. These can only be calculated vaguely, as enquiries, commitments or even cancellations remain dependent on the customer. A flexible calculation of the resources which requires a comprehensive overview of these. It is easier again with Projects in the company. This is because resources are one of the easiest to plan for your own company. However, projects are often postponed internally due to a lack of resources.

Once the initial situation has been defined by the project type, the respective challenges can be worked with in resource planning. The following points should be considered here:

Calculations are ONLY made using the resources actually available. In the case of employees, public holidays, holidays etc. should also be included here. It is also important not to overburden any employee. The calculation only makes sense if the employee is able to fulfil their tasks. If necessary, pay attention to other (current and upcoming) projects.

Include employee expertise in the planning process. Are the resources realistically loaded? Also prioritise responsibilities. Helps to allocate responsibilities.

Make contingency plans. If there is a "human factor" and failures occur, other employees should be able to be entrusted with the tasks without their capacities being overstretched.

Big goals with lots of challenges and in project management, human resource management can never be implemented perfectly. Nevertheless, precise planning tends to help you remain flexible and survive major or minor disasters.

One or two project management tools are helpful here (especially when it comes to maintaining an overview). It is even more helpful if project management is fully anchored in the company via integrated applications. For example, MARIProject, the project management add-on for SAP Business One. More about that here.