project resources threat to being pulled out mid project (project is all green)
Anonymous
I have an interesting situation / question. Im managing a IT project and everything is groing great. Working with outside consultants that are overseeing the project and everyone is happy. The plan was created with the programmers and was very accurate. (In fact things are geting done ahead of schedule.) The team is one tech writer / BA and 2 x programmers. The planning and scheduling was done in accordance with Prince2 / PMBOK.
Couple of weeks ago the tech architect was promoted to be a Manager for all the Programmers. He was heavily involved in another project that is a year late, over budget etc...
Now he wants to pull out one of my guys and put him on this otehr project saying that the remainder of the work does not require the resources and time allocated. (Please note that I have repeatedly asked for his involvement in the begining stages of the project and he was ALWAYS busy. (I'm not kidding))
What should I do? (remember I want to finish my project on time as well as stay with him on freindly terms.)
thanks! Saving Changes...
Hans RobbersSenior Director| SalesforceVlissingen, Netherlands
Hi
The situation is not completely clear to me. You are saying outside consultants are overseeing the proejct. Is the programmer one of the outside consultants. In that case the siuation is rather simple. If not and all resources are working for the same comapny and the other project is also in the same company the situation is sloghtly different.
Regardless of the above I would start with a meeting discussing with thh resource earmarked to leave with two topics
1. Is he/she willing to leave the project and starting on the other project. If this is not the case in option 2 you wil find a demotivated resource which will impact your project and I suggest to discuss this with the manager.
2. How much work is left and can this be done part-time without jeopardising the project end date. You can also considering shifting some work to the teach writer and the other programmer.
Based on this you might be able to settle a compromis a number of days for the coming weeks and than the number increases or even the resource leaves the project completely
If this is not acceptable there is dependent on the project goverenance the following solution:
1. Consultants are hired
You as the customer can escalate it with the management of the new tech manager and explaining the importance of your project and the role of the resource. In the worst case you can ask for compensation like another resource who needs to be trained on cost of the consultancy firm etc
2. Internal resources and projects
Step to your steerco/project sponsor and ask him to discuss ot with the other sponsor and let them determine what will be of the best interest for the company.
