Estimate Resources 

Purpose:

To determine the type and quantity of resources (people, equipment, materials, facilities) required for each activity or work package.

Key Outcome:

A clear understanding of resource requirements that feeds into:

• Schedule development

• Cost estimation

• Procurement planning

 Types of Resources Considered

• Human Resources – skills, roles, competencies

• Physical Resources – machinery, tools, infrastructure

• Material Resources – consumables like cement, steel, cables

• Technology Resources – software, platforms, IT systems

Key Inputs

• Scope baseline (WBS, deliverables)

• Activity list & attributes

• Resource calendars

• Enterprise environmental factors (EEF)

• Organizational process assets (OPA)
  
  

Tools & Techniques

1. Expert Judgment

Leveraging experienced professionals to estimate realistic resource needs.

2. Analogous Estimating

Using historical data from similar projects.

3. Parametric Estimating

Applying statistical relationships (e.g., labor hours per unit).

4. Bottom-Up Estimating

Breaking down each activity and estimating resources in detail.

5. Data Analysis

• Alternatives analysis (make vs buy, manual vs automated)

• Assumptions and constraints evaluation

6. Project Management Information Systems (PMIS)

Software tools for simulation and resource modeling.

Bill of Quantities (BoQ) – A Critical Element

A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a structured document that lists all materials, parts, and labor quantities required for a project.

Key Components of BoQ

• Item description

• Unit of measurement (m³, kg, nos., etc.)

• Quantity required

• Rate (optional in estimation stage)

• Total cost (in later stages)
  
  

BoQ plays a central role, especially in construction, EPC, and infrastructure projects:

Quantification

• Converts design drawings into measurable quantities

• Example: concrete volume, steel tonnage

Accuracy

• Enables precise estimation of materials and labor
  
  

Cost Linkage

• Directly feeds into cost estimation and budgeting

Procurement Planning

• Helps identify what needs to be sourced externally

Benchmarking

• Supports comparison with similar past projects

Outputs of Estimate Resources

1. Resource Requirements

• Quantity and type of resources per activity

2. Basis of Estimates

• Assumptions, constraints, estimation techniques used

3. Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS)

• Hierarchical structure of resources categorized by type.

4. Project Document Updates

• Activity attributes

• Risk register (resource risks)

• 
  

Practical Example (Construction Project)

For a concrete slab activity:

• BoQ specifies:

  • Cement: 500 bags

  • Steel: 2 tons

  • Sand: 10 m³

• Resource estimation identifies:
  
  

  • 5 masons

  • 10 laborers

  • 1 concrete mixer

This ensures alignment between scope → quantities (BoQ) → resources → cost & schedule