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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