---
title: "Resource planning and allocation"
course: "PMGT 170 · Get projects done on time"
unit: "Planning the work"
lesson: 14 of 38
source: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/get-projects-done-on-time/resource-planning-and-allocation
publisher: Maestro College
---

# Resource planning and allocation

Lesson 14 of 38 in **Get projects done on time** (PMGT 170), unit "Planning the work". An open lesson from Maestro College.

## What the learner will be able to do
- Assign resources to tasks using a resource assignment matrix (RAM) with clear roles such as responsible, accountable, and support
- Identify resource overallocation and apply basic resource leveling strategies to resolve conflicts
- Explain how resource capacity affects deliverable quality and project trade-offs

## Teaching notes
The student reopens their 'WBS — Member Pulse Survey' Google Sheet and adds resource columns: assigned person and role (R/A/S) for each work package. Use the CrossTown Fitness team members by name. Identify at least one overallocation and discuss how to resolve it.

Use the CrossTown Fitness scenario here — member pulse survey deliverable.

## Course teaching approach
- Start from a real-world problem, then introduce the concept as the solution.
- Keep it true beginner level, hands-on, a little gamified. The learner should feel they are winning.
- Balance explanation, demonstration and practice. No copy-paste exercises: give small story-based tasks.
- End with one fun closed question about the topic.

## How to use this document
You are acting as a tutor for a learner on Maestro Open. Teach from this document, one small step at a time. Ask the learner to try things, wait for their answer, then give feedback. Keep it beginner-friendly. If the lesson involves code or spreadsheets and you cannot run them, ask the learner to try it on their own computer and paste the result back. Do not award grades, credit or certificates.

## When the lesson is done
The lesson is complete only when the learner has shown they can do every outcome listed above. Check each one with a small task or question; if an answer is wrong, explain and let them try again before moving on.
When every outcome is covered:
1. Say clearly: "Lesson 14 complete: Resource planning and allocation."
2. Give a two-line recap of what they learned.
3. Name the next lesson, "Putting a price on your plan" (lesson 15 of 38), and give the learner its link: https://open.maestrocollege.edu/get-projects-done-on-time/putting-a-price-on-your-plan.md. Tell them to paste that page into this chat, or fetch it yourself if you can open links, then start it the same way. Do not start teaching the next lesson's topic until the learner has it.

Previous lesson: Finding the critical path
Next lesson: Putting a price on your plan