1.2. Resource Allocation Assumptions

For this particular project, first the network diagram is drawn, I mean, the scheduling is done assuming that resources are unlimited. But everyone knows this cannot be real case in every project site there will be a constraint of resource, resources are never unlimited.

This chunk explains the initial assumption made in project scheduling where it's believed that resources are unlimited. However, this is generally not true as, in most cases, projects face resource constraints that can affect completion. In the first phase of project planning, we often create schedules based on the best-case scenario involving unrestricted resources.

Imagine planning a party with no restrictions on food or seating. You would order everything you want without considering budget or availability. But in reality, you have a limited budget and space, and those factors would ultimately dictate your planning decisions.

So, the project completion time you can see it is 20 days. So, this project is getting completed in 20 days, if you assume there is no constraint on resources, resources are unlimited.

The estimated time for completing the project is mentioned to be 20 days, based on the assumption of unlimited resources. This means that if all the required equipment and manpower were available without any delay, the project could be expected to finish in this time frame. However, this ideal scenario will soon be contrasted with what happens in reality when resources become limited.

Think of a student who plans to complete a major assignment in a week, believing they can access all library resources anytime. But once they realize the library has restricted opening hours and limited copies of books, they need to reassess their timeline.

So, the critical part of this project is B, E and I, the critical path is nothing but the longest path in a particular project which decides the project completion time.

This section identifies the critical path in the project as B, E, and I. The critical path consists of the sequence of activities that determines the minimum time needed to complete the project. Any delays in these critical activities will directly affect the overall project duration, making it essential to prioritize these tasks during resource allocation.

Consider a relay race; the team cannot win if one runner is delayed due to a fall, even if the others run perfectly. The runner who might take the most time becomes critical to the team's success, just like activities on the critical path.

Now, for this project, apply the resource constraint. So, what is the resource constraint? So, for this project, for every activity, we need the crane for the completion of the activity, but the actual availability of the crane is there are only 2 cranes available with us, that is a resource constraint.

The scenario now shifts to practical considerations where the assumption of unlimited resources is dispelled. The project has only two cranes available despite needing one for every activity. This limitation necessitates a strategic plan for resource allocation to ensure that the number of tasks completed is maximized without extending the project timeline significantly.

Imagine you're hosting a dinner party, needing two ovens to cook different dishes simultaneously. But you only have one oven available. You have to plan your cooking schedule so that your meal is ready as quickly as possible while managing the limited oven time.

So, we will go by the simple approach, which is commonly followed in many construction project sites that is least total float approach. So, least total float approach is a common approach followed. So, we are trying to identify the activities which are more critical.

The least total float approach is a method used to prioritize resource allocation based on the amount of float for each activity. Float represents the amount of time an activity can be delayed without affecting the overall project completion. Activities with less float are considered more critical and are allocated resources first to ensure the project remains on schedule.

Think about a group project in school where some tasks have strict deadlines (like a presentation) while others can be pushed to the last minute. You'd focus on completing the presentation first since it has less flexibility compared to writing a report, which can be delayed.

So generally, first we have to allocate the resources to those activities which are critical that is whichever have 0 float, then that is least so, allocate the resources to those activities, which have least float then allocate the resources to those activities, which have second least float.

When allocating resources, the approach dictates that resources should first be given to activities with a float of zero—those that are most critical. After these are addressed, resources can be directed toward activities with the second least float. This method minimizes delays in critical areas and optimizes the use of resources.

Consider a manager at a restaurant allocating tasks. They would prioritize food prep for meals that have to be served first (critical) before worrying about tasks for later evenings. This ensures important tasks are completed on time while still managing other duties.

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