Pre-Assignment
Pre-assignment is the practice of assigning specific team members to a project before resource planning is complete, often because they were promised in the project charter, proposal, or contract.
Explanation
Pre-assignment occurs when certain team members are designated for the project as a condition of the project being undertaken. This can happen when a specific person is identified in the project charter as essential to the project, when the project is the result of a competitive proposal that named specific people, when specific internal staff are assigned as part of the project charter, or when the project depends on the expertise of particular individuals.\n\nPre-assignment is a tool and technique of the Acquire Resources process. While it simplifies the acquisition of those specific resources, it can also constrain the project manager by reducing flexibility in resource selection. The pre-assigned individuals may not be the optimal choice for all tasks, and their availability may be limited by other commitments.\n\nThe project manager should plan around pre-assigned resources, understanding their skills, availability, and constraints. If a pre-assigned resource is not available when needed, the project manager may need to negotiate with the appropriate manager or escalate the issue through proper channels.
Key Points
- •Resources assigned before the project formally begins
- •Often specified in the project charter, proposal, or contract
- •Tool and technique of the Acquire Resources process
- •May constrain the project manager flexibility in resource selection
Exam Tip
Pre-assignment means resources are already decided before the project manager gets to choose. Recognize this as a constraint that must be planned around.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Acquire Resources
Acquire Resources is the process of obtaining team members, facilities, equipment, materials, supplies, and other resources necessary to complete project work.
Negotiation (for Resources)
Negotiation for resources is the process by which the project manager discusses and agrees upon resource assignments with functional managers, other project teams, or external organizations to obtain the needed team members and physical resources.
Project Charter
A project charter is a document issued by the project sponsor that formally authorizes the existence of a project and provides the project manager with the authority to apply organizational resources to project activities.
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