Resource Allocation and Leveling The following data were obtained from a project
ID: 3772014 • Letter: R
Question
Resource Allocation and Leveling The following data were obtained from a project to design a new software package.
Activity
Duration
Predecessors
Personnel/Cost
A
3 days
--
One systems analyst/$260 day
B
6 days
--
Three programmers/$200 day each
C
4 days
A
Three programmers/$200 day each
D
2 days
C
Two hardware specialists/$230 day each
E
3 days
A
One systems analyst/$260 day
F
2 days
D and E
One test engineer/$300 day
Personnel Available
Quantity
Systems analysts
1
Programmers
3
Hardware specialists
2
Test engineers
2
The software manufacturer has only the above personnel available for the project. Additional personnel can be hired from an agency at an 80% cost premium if needed.
(a) Identify any resource conflicts in the above project. State the activities involved, the time frame of the conflict(s), the personnel in conflict, and the number of people involved.
(b) Note that operations can be split if required. What is the least-cost method of resolving the conflict(s), assuming the project duration must not be extended? What additional cost, if any, will be incurred?
Activity
Duration
Predecessors
Personnel/Cost
A
3 days
--
One systems analyst/$260 day
B
6 days
--
Three programmers/$200 day each
C
4 days
A
Three programmers/$200 day each
D
2 days
C
Two hardware specialists/$230 day each
E
3 days
A
One systems analyst/$260 day
F
2 days
D and E
One test engineer/$300 day
Explanation / Answer
a) The resorce conficts that may arise are:
1) The system analyst is only 1 in number .If he is not able to do his job in 3 days the system may not be analysed on time and as a result the programming phase can be delayed. The number of days can be extended for 4 to 5 for a system analyst and it should be made sure he is very much experienced otherwise a better option will be a team of of 2 system analysts working together .This will make the process quick and pass the design to programmers on time.
2)The number of days for test engineers is only 3. It may not be possible to test the right amount of programs altogether in such a short time.The duration of the processed must be increased to 3 to 4 days.The number of test engineers is fine but the number of days must be increased to deliver the product without errors and on time to the customer:
b)The least cost method of resolving the conflicts are:
1)Employing 1 more system analyst and dividing the same salary into 2 of them. Or employing one system analyst with a work experience of 10 years and giving him more days to perform his role.
2)Increasing the number of days for test engineers to perform their roles.Even though it will take a few days but the product will be good .
The additional cost incurred could be due to hiring of another system analyst or hardware worker. This can be managed by dividing them in a team of 2 and dividing the same salary into 2 people.
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