The Specific Inputs for Estimate Resources Process

PMBOK v8 Definition

The Estimate Resources process is the process of estimating team resources and the type and quantities of physical or virtual resources necessary to perform project work. Its key benefit is that it identifies the type, quantity, and characteristics of resources required to complete the project. This process belongs to the Resources performance domain and is performed once or at predefined points in the project. The specific inputs for the Estimate Resources process are the resource management plan and resource calendars.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently in PMI exam questions testing your ability to distinguish between the inputs of the Estimate Resources process versus other resource-related processes. Questions often present scenarios where you must identify which documents are required to begin estimating resources, or they test your understanding of what distinguishes this process from Plan Resource Management or Acquire Resources.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Main Inputs (exactly two): The resource management plan and resource calendars
• Main Output: Identification of the type, quantity, and characteristics of resources required
• Process Group: Resources performance domain (not a traditional Process Group; this is the PMBOK v8 structure)
• Frequency: Performed once or at predefined points in the project
• Key Benefit: Identifies resources needed and aids in anticipating potential resource shortages or surpluses
• Related Process: Closely coordinated with the Estimate Costs process
• Common Confusion: Do not confuse the inputs of Estimate Resources (resource management plan + resource calendars) with the inputs of Plan Resource Management (which uses different tools like responsibility assignment matrix, organizational theory, green human resource management, resource-based view, and SWOT analysis)

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager is beginning to estimate the team and physical resources needed for a new software development project. Which two documents must the project manager have as inputs to begin this process? Answer: The resource management plan and resource calendars.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Thinking that the activity list or scope baseline is an input to Estimate Resources

  • Reality: The specific inputs for the Estimate Resources process are only the resource management plan and resource calendars

• Trap: Confusing Estimate Resources with Plan Resource Management

  • Reality: Plan Resource Management defines how to estimate, acquire, lead, and utilize resources; Estimate Resources actually identifies the type, quantity, and characteristics of resources

• Trap: Assuming resource calendars are an output of Estimate Resources

  • Reality: Resource calendars are an input to Estimate Resources, not an output

• Trap: Thinking Estimate Resources is in the Cost Knowledge Area

  • Reality: Estimate Resources is part of the Resources performance domain, though it is closely coordinated with the Estimate Costs process

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. What are the two specific inputs for the Estimate Resources process according to PMBOK v8?

2. A project manager has completed the Plan Resource Management process and now needs to identify the type and quantity of resources required. Which process should they perform next?

3. True or False: The Estimate Resources process is performed only once at the beginning of the project.

4. Which other process is Estimate Resources closely coordinated with to ensure comprehensive project planning?

5. What is the key benefit of the Estimate Resources process?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 2.6.2.2 – Estimate Resources (Resources Performance Domain)