Guide to Resource Planning for CAPM Project Human Resource Management

Resource planning in Project Human Resource Management is a critical aspect of the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) exam. It is the process of determining and documenting the human resources necessary for project completion.

Why it is important:
Resource planning is integral to project success. An efficiently planned resource system can help:
- Identify the quantity, skills, and timing of resources needed, enabling proper task assignment.
- Efficiently manage and allocate resources, minimizing waste and reducing project costs.
- Prevent overallocation or under allocation of resources.
- Facilitate better project planning, control, and organization.

How it works:
Resource planning operates through the following steps:
1. Create a Resource Management Plan: briefly describes how to estimate, acquire, manage and use team and physical resources.
2. Estimate Activity Resources: identifying the types and quantities of resources required for each activity in a work package.
3. Acquiring the resources: Once the types and quantities of resources are identified, it's time to obtain them.
4. Develop team: this involves on-boarding the acquired resources and improving their skills and team dynamics.
5. Control resources: this involves ensuring that the resources are used in accordance with the resource management plan.

Answering Questions on Resource Planning in an Exam:
Successfully answering resource planning questions requires understanding of the concepts and application. Follow these exam tips:
- Read questions carefully to understand what is being asked.
- Identify key words in questions.
- Understand the difference between human and physical resources.
- Remember that resources are not just people but also any physical item or material required for the project.
- Practice resource management related problems from a variety of sources.
- In situational questions, always consider the ideal project management scenario.