Resource and Team Management: Resource Planning, Allocation, Leadership and Conflict Management Questions

Question 1

Define resource management.

Accepted Answer

**Resource management** is planning, allocating and controlling resources required for a project.

Question 2

What is resource leveling?

Accepted Answer

**Resource leveling** adjusts the schedule to remove resource over-allocation.

Question 3

What is a resource histogram?

Accepted Answer

A **resource histogram** shows resource usage/load over time.

Question 4

State any one Tuckman stage.

Accepted Answer

**Storming** stage.

Question 5

Expand RACI.

Accepted Answer

**Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed**.

Question 6

Name one cause of conflict in projects.

Accepted Answer

**Resource scarcity**.

Question 7

Explain resource planning steps (brief).

Accepted Answer

Resource planning includes: identify activities from WBS, estimate resource needs (skills/quantity), check availability, assign resources, prepare resource calendar, and monitor/update during execution.

Question 8

Explain resource leveling and why it is required.

Accepted Answer

Resource leveling adjusts activity start/finish to remove over-allocation when the same resource is assigned to overlapping tasks. It improves feasibility and reduces burnout, though it may increase project duration.

Question 9

Explain leadership styles used in projects.

Accepted Answer

Common styles: **autocratic** (quick decisions), **democratic** (team participation), **laissez-faire** (minimal guidance for expert teams), and **situational** (style changes with team maturity). Projects often need situational leadership.

Question 10

Explain motivation factors for better team performance.

Accepted Answer

PM can motivate by clear goals, recognition, fair workload, training and growth opportunities, supportive environment, timely feedback, and resolving conflicts. Motivation improves productivity and retention.

Question 11

Explain causes of conflict in projects (any three).

Accepted Answer

Causes (any three): resource scarcity, schedule pressure, unclear roles/responsibilities, personality differences, technical disagreements, and scope changes. Managing early reduces delays.

Question 12

Explain conflict management techniques (any three).

Accepted Answer

Techniques: **avoiding**, **accommodating**, **compromising**, **competing/forcing**, **collaborating**. Collaborating aims win-win; competing suits urgent decisions; compromising gives a middle solution.

Question 13

Explain resource planning and resource leveling with a flowchart.

Accepted Answer

### **Explain resource planning and resource leveling with flow**

**Resource planning** identifies what resources (people, tools, materials) are needed and when.

**Steps**:
- derive activities from **WBS**
- estimate resource needs (skills/quantity/duration)
- check availability (resource calendar)
- assign resources
- monitor and update

**Resource leveling** resolves over-allocation by adjusting schedule.

```text
WBS/Activities → Estimate resources → Check availability → Assign → Monitor
                                   ↓ if overload
                             Resource leveling (shift tasks)
```

Thus planning ensures feasibility, and leveling prevents conflicts and burnout.

Question 14

Explain team development stages (Tuckman) with a table.

Accepted Answer

### **Explain team development stages and PM’s role**

Teams typically follow **Tuckman stages**:
- **Forming**: orientation, roles unclear
- **Storming**: conflicts and differences
- **Norming**: rules, trust, collaboration
- **Performing**: high productivity
- **Adjourning**: closure and disband

| Stage | PM focus |
|---|---|
| Forming | clarify goals/roles |
| Storming | manage conflict |
| Norming | build norms/trust |
| Performing | delegate, support |
| Adjourning | recognition/closure |

So the PM guides the team from early conflict to stable performance.

Question 15

Explain conflict management techniques with a table and examples.

Accepted Answer

### **Explain conflict management techniques with table**

Conflicts arise due to resource scarcity, schedule pressure, unclear roles, etc.

Common techniques:
- **Avoiding**: postpone/withdraw
- **Accommodating**: give in to preserve relationship
- **Compromising**: middle solution
- **Competing/Forcing**: assert decision quickly
- **Collaborating**: win-win solution

| Technique | When useful |
|---|---|
| Avoiding | low priority, temporary |
| Competing | urgent decision |
| Compromising | quick middle ground |
| Collaborating | best long-term |
| Accommodating | preserve relationship |

Thus PM should select technique based on situation; collaborating is generally preferred.

Resource and Team Management: Resource Planning, Allocation, Leadership and Conflict Management

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