Acquire Resources: Inputs, Tools, Techniques, and Outputs
PMBOK v8 Definition
The Acquire Resources process is the process of obtaining the team, physical, or virtual resources necessary to complete project work, which is based on the activity list. It is performed periodically throughout the project as needed and belongs to the Resources performance domain (not a traditional Process Group/Knowledge Area in PMBOK v8, as PMBOK v8 uses performance domains).
Why It Matters for the Exam
The Acquire Resources process is frequently tested on the PMI exam because it directly impacts project success—failure to acquire necessary resources may affect the schedule, budget, customer satisfaction, and quality while increasing risk. Questions typically appear in situational scenarios where the project manager must determine the correct inputs, tools, or outputs when resources are unavailable or insufficient.
Key Points to Remember (for the exam)
- Main Input: Activity list (the basis for resource acquisition)
- Main Outputs: Physical or virtual resource assignments, project team assignments, resource calendars
- Key Tools: Negotiation (interpersonal and team skills), multicriteria decision analysis, preassignment, virtual teams
- Critical Factor: The project manager or project team should collaborate, effectively negotiate, and influence others who are able to provide the required team, physical, or virtual resources
- Risk Warning: Insufficient resources or capabilities decrease the probability of success and, in a worst-case scenario, could result in project cancellation
- Timing: Performed periodically throughout the project as needed (not just once at the beginning)
- Common Confusion: Do not confuse Acquire Resources with Estimate Resources—Estimate Resources comes first (estimating what is needed), Acquire Resources follows (obtaining what was estimated)
Typical PMI Exam Example
A project manager is starting a new phase of a construction project and needs additional engineers and heavy equipment. The resource management plan already exists, and the activity list identifies specific resource requirements. The project manager must now negotiate with functional managers to release the engineers and initiate procurement for the equipment. Which process is being performed? Answer: Acquire Resources.
PMI Exam Traps
- Trap: Thinking Acquire Resources is performed only once at project initiation
- Reality: It is performed periodically throughout the project as needed
- Trap: Confusing Acquire Resources with Estimate Resources
- Reality: Estimate Resources determines what and how many resources are needed; Acquire Resources obtains them
- Trap: Believing resource acquisition is only about team members
- Reality: It includes team, physical, AND virtual resources
- Trap: Assuming negotiation is optional in resource acquisition
- Reality: The project manager must effectively negotiate and influence to acquire resources
Important PMI Connections
| Related Concept | Relationship Type | Exam Attention Point |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Resource Management | Predecessor process | Defines HOW to acquire resources; outputs the resource management plan used as input to Acquire Resources |
| Estimate Resources | Predecessor process | Provides the type and quantities of resources needed; Acquire Resources obtains what was estimated |
| Resource Calendars | Output of Acquire Resources | Identifies when resources are available; used in scheduling and resource leveling |
| Change Requests | Output of Acquire Resources | If resources cannot be acquired as planned, change requests may be needed to adjust schedule, budget, or scope |
| Procurement Activities | Complementary process | Significant physical or virtual resources may require procurement activities to acquire them |
Quick Review Questions
- A project manager cannot obtain the specialized equipment needed for a critical path activity. What is the most likely impact on the project?
- During which process does the project manager use negotiation skills to obtain team members from functional managers?
- What are the three main outputs of the Acquire Resources process?
- True or False: Acquire Resources is performed only once during project planning.
- If insufficient resources are acquired, what are the potential consequences according to PMBOK v8?
PMBOK v8 Reference
Section 2.6.2 – Processes (Resources performance domain) Figure 2-43 – Acquire Resources Inputs, Tools and Techniques, and Outputs