Process: Acquire Resources
Process Group: Executing
Knowledge Area: Project Resource Management
Purpose
The Acquire Resources process involves securing the team members, materials, equipment, and other resources required to execute the project. It ensures that all necessary resources are available and assigned to the appropriate activities when and where they are needed.
Inputs
- Project Management Plan – Especially the resource management plan and procurement management plan.
- Project Documents – Includes project schedule, resource requirements, stakeholder register, and risk register.
- Enterprise Environmental Factors (EEFs) – Resource availability, organizational structure, negotiation protocols.
- Organizational Process Assets (OPAs) – Policies for hiring, staffing, and resource acquisition; prequalified suppliers.
Tools and Techniques
- Decision Making – Techniques such as multicriteria decision analysis for selecting resources.
- Interpersonal and Team Skills – Negotiation with functional managers or vendors to secure resources.
- Pre-Assignment – Resources that were committed to the project in advance.
- Virtual Teams – Use of remote or geographically dispersed personnel to meet project demands.
Outputs
- Physical Resource Assignments – Documentation of the physical resources (equipment, facilities, etc.) allocated to the project.
- Project Team Assignments – List of assigned personnel, including roles and responsibilities.
- Resource Calendars – Availability and assignment schedules for resources.
- Change Requests – If issues in acquisition require updates to plans or baselines.
- Project Management Plan Updates – Updates to resource management and schedule plans.
- Project Document Updates – Adjustments to risk register, project schedule, and stakeholder register.
Role in the Process Group and Knowledge Area
- In the Executing Process Group, Acquire Resources provides the people and physical tools required to implement the project plan.
- As part of Project Resource Management, it bridges planning with execution by putting the right resources in place at the right time.
Why It Matters
- Enables Execution – Provides the necessary resources to perform project work.
- Improves Performance – Ensures skilled, available personnel and adequate physical assets are in place.
- Reduces Delays – Anticipates and resolves resource shortages or conflicts early.
- Supports Team Formation – Lays the foundation for team development and collaboration.