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Project Management

PART II: Project Task Management

Session 4: Labor Forecasting and Capacity Planning

Course Code: PM-04
Goal: Forecast workforce needs accurately for proactive project and resource planning.

Session Overview

Duration: 1 Hour
Format: Instructor-led (via Microsoft Teams or in-person)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced (Ideal for project managers, labor planners, and operations leads)

Resources Provided:

  • Labor Projection Submodule Overview
  • Capacity Planning Spreadsheet Template
  • Labor Forecast Red Flag Guide
  • Workload Distribution Analysis Template

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

  • Navigate the Labor Projection submodule.
  • Set and manage category (role/trade) capacities.
  • Interpret red flags for overloads, shortages, and schedule conflicts.
  • Adjust project schedules to optimize labor utilization.

Session Agenda

4.1 Understanding the Labor Projection Submodule
  • Navigate to Labor Projection tools.
  • Review labor needs by category, project, and date range.
  • Differentiate between scheduled vs. unscheduled labor.
4.2 Setting Category Capacities
  • Define capacity limits for each labor type (e.g., electricians, HVAC techs, programmers).
  • Adjust capacity seasonally if needed.
  • Align capacity planning with hiring/contractor strategies.
4.3 Interpreting Red Flags and Workload Distribution
  • Recognize labor overload indicators (red flags).
  • Identify gaps in projected schedules.
  • Analyze workload balance across teams and dates.
  • Use projected vs. actual comparison tools.
4.4 Adjusting Schedules to Optimize Labor Usage
  • Reschedule or phase project tasks to balance labor usage.
  • Collaborate with PMs and ops leads on resourcing strategies.
  • Prioritize projects and milestones based on workforce availability.

Hands-On Preview (Optional if time allows)

  • Open a live labor projection view.
  • Set up capacities for two trades.
  • Identify overloads and propose adjustments.
  • Shift tasks between teams to balance capacity.

Post-Session Action Items

  • Validate current capacity settings across all active trades.
  • Standardize seasonal adjustment processes.
  • Perform a labor forecast check for the next 90 days.
  • Prepare for deeper project execution and health monitoring topics (PM-05).

 Note: When scheduling, make sure to include this session code: PM-04.

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