Episode B.039 Flexible Use of Resources

Introduction
Even though the new quarter doesn't start until Wednesday, we are jumping into it with both feet. BTW - that is also the theme for July - Being Agile. Two quick reasons for this theme now. First is we are in new territory when it comes to the economy, social factors, government action and how it is affecting our ability to run a profitable business. The second is how it matches with our previous emphasis around building a "Lean Organization'. The difference is simple - Agile is a mindset that uses the principles of Lean to succeed in unstable times.
​
Show Objectives
The idea of discussing the allocation of resources doesn't sound particularly fascinating, however in an Agile business it is the game. Whether your financial goal is to trade speed for margin or volume, how you win is by maximizing every resource. Nothing, especially people, are assigned for an entire project. Each person will rotate in and out of Sprints based upon availability and expertise. This can be a fun game if you get your arms around it.

This show will cover how to build an Agile Scheduling System that you can measure and manage.

What You Need to Know
Everything we need to start the conversation on scheduling was covered in this show: EPISODE E.021 OPERATIONAL MEASURES

The issue is to drill down on the metrics to see its application in an Agile operation:

1. Scheduled Production Volume: total number of Projects and Sprints performed over a specified period.
2. Scheduled Volume Mix: how well are the various Projects and Sprints blended to effectively use resources.
3. Scheduled Sequences: how well is the scheduled maintained and resources used efficiently.

What are the unique resource demands of Agile Projects?

• Shift from Project to Product - Sprints;
• Sprints are micro-sized deliverables within a project;
• Resources are allocated to Sprints, not Projects;
• Shorter work cycles means shorter schedule forecasts;
• Short duration Sprints require smarter utilization of resources.

​
What You Need to Do

1. ​Find a Project Scheduling Platform that allows for multiple Sprints (Tasks) and Resources.
2. Inventory your human resources by:
   1. process expertise (coach, consultant, engineering, etc.)
   2. content expertise (agile, project management, design of experiments, etc.)
   3. industry expertise (manufacturing, hospitality, online, etc.)
3. Brake down the Project into small segments (Sprints) that include:
   1. Inputs: Product Vision, Product Roadmap, Estimated Team Velocity.
   2. Tools & Techniques: QFD, Schedule, Review, Acceptance.
   3. Outputs: Next Sprint, Remaining Action Items, Final Budget, Release Plan.
4. Schedule Project and Sprints
5. Track Adherence to Schedule and Resources Use;
   1. Build to Schedule Metrics
   2. Use of Resources Metrics
   3. First Time Through Metrics
6. Debrief Project and Adjust

eman