Project Management For Dummies®

Chapter 7. Planning for Other Resources and Developing the Budget

In This Chapter

• Accounting for the project's nonpersonnel costs

• Preparing a detailed budget

A key part of effective project management is ensuring that resources are available throughout the project when and where they're needed and according to specifications. When people are available for a scheduled task but the necessary computers and laboratory equipment aren't, your project can have costly delays and unanticipated expenditures. Also, your team members may experience frustration that leads to their reduced commitment.

The final requirement for a successful project is sufficient funds to secure the necessary people and resources. All major project decisions (including whether to undertake it, whether to continue it, and — after it's done — to determine how successful it was) must consider the project's costs.

This chapter looks at how you can determine, specify, and display your nonpersonnel resource needs and then how to develop your project budget.

Planning for Nonpersonnel Resources

In addition to personnel, your project may require a variety of other resources (such as furniture, fixtures, equipment, raw materials, and information) that are important to your project's success. Plan for these nonpersonnel resources the same way you plan to meet your personnel requirements. (Check out Chapter 6 for more on meeting your personnel needs.) Develop the following:

• A resources matrix for all nonpersonnel resources

• Individual ...