Resource Risk Management

Resource risk management is a crucial aspect of project management, especially in professional services organizations where resources are often limited, and the consequences of a resource shortage can be severe. Resource risk management involves identifying potential risks to resources and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them.

Why Resource Risk Management is Important

Resource risk management is essential because it helps project managers to anticipate and address potential issues before they become major problems. By identifying and mitigating risks early in the project’s lifecycle, project managers can ensure that resources are available, adequately skilled, and properly utilized throughout the project’s duration.

The following examples illustrate how resource risk management can help mitigate risks and ensure project success:

Succession Planning

Organizations often rely on key individuals to manage critical projects or provide essential skills and expertise. However, if these individuals leave the organization unexpectedly, it can have a significant impact on the organization’s ability to deliver projects and meet its goals. Succession planning is a resource risk management technique that involves identifying individuals who can step into key roles if needed and ensuring they have the necessary training and experience to do so.

Workforce and Workload Planning

Organizations must ensure they have the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time. Workforce planning is a resource risk management technique involving analyzing an organization’s workforce needs and developing strategies to address potential gaps or shortages. Proper workload planning mitigates the risk of burning out employees due to over-allocation or losing money due to underutilized resources and low billable resource utilization.

Talent Management

Organizations must attract, develop, and retain the best talent to achieve their goals. Talent management is a resource risk management technique that involves identifying high-potential employees and providing them with the training, development, and career opportunities they need to thrive within the organization.

Employee Engagement

Engaged employees are more likely to stay with an organization, work harder, and be more productive. Employee engagement is a resource risk management technique that involves creating a positive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction, motivation, and commitment to the organization.

By identifying potential risks and taking appropriate measures to mitigate them, project managers can ensure that resources are available, properly utilized, and adequately skilled to complete the project successfully. As John F. Kennedy once said, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Resource risk management ensures that project managers identify potential risks before they occur, so they can be addressed before they become major problems.