What are the current and emerging trends and challenges in resource management in PPM?

?? Agile and hybrid models boost flexibility but add resource management complexities. ?? Dynamic Resource Pooling: Agile's unpredictability benefits from flexible resource allocation. ?? Skill Matrix Focus: Detailed skill matrix aids quick resource assignment in agile/hybrid methods. ?? Iterative Forecasting: Agile/hybrid benefit from iterative resource forecasting. ?? Tools Evolution: Advanced tools for agile/hybrid support dynamic resource allocation, real-time tracking, and adaptive planning. ?? In sum, agile/hybrid require adaptable, real-time resource management.

Furthermore, agile teams are typically self-governed so traditional directive resource management is not applicable. This refocuses resources management in the initial phases, and particularly in resources selection. In traditional PPM approaches individual and team development is performed throughout the entire life-cycle in a controlled fashion – not the case in agile and hybrid environments where there is little control once the team is formed. As such, it is essential to select team members not only based on their knowledge and technical abilities, but also based on their ability to function together with the other members of that specific team.

In teams working remote and/or distributed across geography (and potentially time zones) the direct contact with the team members is typically limited to pre-scheduled meetings, and most communication is done through asynchronous methods such as emails and chat messages. As such traditional resources time management based on direct observation is not applicable, and the focus needs to shift from “management” to “leadership”. Team members cannot really be managed anymore, but engaged and inspired to deliver on their commitments / assigned work.

Resource management, a vital component of PPM, involves the allocation and optimization of resources across various projects. The increasing complexity of projects, need for agility and collaboration, present significant challenges. Here, AI and automation could revolutionize PPM. AI can handle the complexity and rapidly analyze dependencies, while automation can increase agility, flexibility, and collaboration. Essential skills for resource managers include data literacy, analytical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence, all of which can be enhanced by AI's analytical and predictive capabilities. By embracing AI and automation, and honing essential skills, resource managers can ensure successful project outcomes in PPM.

Amid increasing complexity plus the requirement for agility and collaboration, a key factor is the integration of sustainability and social responsibility. These elements embody society's growing expectations, reflecting the need to align resource decisions with environmental, social, and economic impacts. This alignment with organizational values demands new skills, like strategic thinking, stakeholder analysis, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. Navigating these complexities is challenging, yet with the right skills, managers can ensure successful PPM while embracing a more sustainable future.

To address the gaps it’s crucial to include the managers in the conversation and provide them with the tools and reports to know what skills are missing. A large part of resource management is collaborating with other teams, especially managers. At large organizations it’s easy for siloes to occur and for skills development to be glossed over as projects come in and get assigned. To upskill, it’s vital to keep managers and leadership in the loop to create transparency and accountability.

The importance of Security and Privacy by design. Security in particular is changing so quickly that PPM needs to ensure projects are considering this up front, during, and after the life of projects.