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Resource Breakdown Structure

5 minutes 5 Questions

Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) is a hierarchical list of resources related by function and resource type that are required to execute the project. The RBS helps in categorizing available resources for the project, identifies potential constraints or needs, and aids in resource allocation and control. It is an important tool for ensuring that every part of a project, no matter how small, has necessary resources assigned and controlled.

Guide to Resource Breakdown Structure

The Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) is a crucial element of project resource planning in the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM).

It is a tool that organizes resources by category and type for project management purposes.

Why it is important: RBS contributes to effective resource allocation, enhancing project efficiency and contributing to budget control. It also assists in better understanding of project scope, transparency in resource allocation, and forecasting of resource needs.

How it works: RBS is developed from the top down. It starts with the largest categories of resources and breaks them down into smaller, more specific categories. In the end, you will have a hierarchical structure that shows all the resources required for the project down to the smallest detail.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on RBS

1. Understand and clearly define the RBS concept, its importance, and application. This is normally the first examination question.
2. Provide a clear explanation on how to establish an RBS for a project, going step by step. Include identification, categorization, and breakdown of resources in your response.
3. Review past question papers and understand the pattern of RBS questions and the examiner's expectations.
4. In exam scenarios, you may be asked to create a simple RBS for a project; practice creating such models.
*Remember*, the key to answering questions on RBS is fully understanding its function, purpose, and creation process.
5. Also, be prepared to discuss how RBS can be used to manage project resources effectively. It's not just about knowing what it is, but understanding the why and how.

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CAPM - Project Resource Planning Example Questions

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Question 1

You are a project manager working on a software development project. The company is trying to implement a new resource breakdown structure (RBS) to better manage resources. What is the primary purpose of the RBS?

Correct Answer: Organizing project resources into a hierarchical structure

The primary purpose of the Resource Breakdown Structure (RBS) is to organize project resources into a hierarchical structure. An RBS is a tool that categorizes resources on the basis of type and name, which helps in resource planning, allocation, and control. This is the best answer because the purpose of an RBS is centered on the organization and breakdown of resources. While RBS can contribute to estimating budget and costs for the project, creating a detailed project schedule, and identifying project risks and their likelihood, these are not its primary purpose. Rather, these tasks can be directly or indirectly influenced by the RBS, but they principally involve other processes, tools, and techniques. For instance, costs are often estimated with techniques like parametric and analog estimating; schedules are typically established using tools like Gantt charts and network diagrams; risk identification requires risk management processes like risk analysis and risk response planning.

Question 2

Your project's resource breakdown structure (RBS) is incomplete, and you suspect it may be causing resource allocation issues. Which of the following would best help you identify the missing resources?

Correct Answer: Comparing the RBS with the work breakdown structure (WBS)

The best way to identify missing resources in your project's resource breakdown structure (RBS) is by comparing it with the work breakdown structure (WBS). The WBS provides a detailed breakdown of all the work and tasks required to complete the project, while the RBS organizes the resources that will be used in the project. By comparing them, you can identify missing resources in the RBS, as they should align with the tasks identified in the WBS. Reviewing the project schedule, conducting a risk assessment or implementing a change management process won't necessarily help you identify missing resources directly as they are not designed to compare tasks and resources needed clearly as when comparing the RBS to the WBS.

Question 3

A project manager at your company is working on a project with a well-defined resource breakdown structure (RBS). However, the project is still facing issues related to resource management. What could be the possible reason?

Correct Answer: Ineffective communication or collaboration within the project team

The correct answer is 'Ineffective communication or collaboration within the project team'. This is because the resource breakdown structure (RBS) of a project management defines how resources are allocated. A well-defined RBS should mean resources are managed effectively. Yet, if the project still faces issues, it's likely due to collaboration or communication issues within the team. The other answers are wrong because a lack of a work breakdown structure (WBS) isn't the case here as we're dealing with an RBS, incorrect project estimates would be considered a planning issue rather than a resource management issue, and the wrong project management methodology would imply that there are structural issues with the project - not just resource management issues.

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