Resource Determination

Now let's move on to the next point: identifying the resources and logistics needed for each activity.

This is a crucial step in planning your project, as it ensures that you have everything necessary to carry out each task efficiently.

What does "determining resources and logistics" mean?

Resources are all the elements you need to execute the project's activities. These can include:

• Human resources: People who will collaborate on the project, such as researchers, advisors, colleagues, etc.
  
  

• Material resources: Equipment, software, hardware, books, documents, etc.
  
  

• Financial resources: Money or budget needed to purchase materials, tools, software, etc.
  
  

• Time: Although more abstract, time is a limited resource that must be managed carefully.
  
  

• Information: Research, previous data, books or articles needed to develop the theoretical framework, methodology, etc.
  
  

Logistics refers to the planning, organization, and execution of all activities required to ensure that the resources are available at the right time. Logistics includes:

• Tracking timelines to avoid delays
  
  

• Managing tools or platforms required (e.g., if you're using an online platform for research, organization, or presentation)
  
  

• Distributing resources: How and when you will acquire materials, access people, allocate time, etc.
  
  

Steps to determine resources and logistics

1. Identify the resources needed for each activity:

Start with a list of your project’s activities (e.g., research, writing, reviewing, presenting).
For each activity, identify the necessary resources. Here are some examples:

• Research: You'll need access to academic databases, books, articles, interviews with experts, etc.
  
  

• Writing: You'll need a word processor (like Word or Google Docs), formatting templates, citation guides, etc.
  
  

• Presentation: You'll need software like PowerPoint or Prezi, as well as equipment like a projector, laptop, etc.
  
  

2. Estimate resources in terms of quantity and cost:

Once you've identified the resources, determine how much of each is needed and, if applicable, the associated cost.

Example:

• Reading materials: If you need to purchase books, how many? What budget should be allocated?
  
  

• Software access: If you need a paid tool, how much will it cost?
  
  

• Time: How many hours will you dedicate to each activity? Do you have enough time to complete everything within the deadline?
  
  

3. Determine the logistics of accessing and using the resources:

• Availability of resources: Make sure the resources will be available when you need them. For instance, if you need to interview experts, are they available at the times you’ve planned?
  
  

• Task organization: How will you manage time and assign activities? Ensure coordination of tasks that depend on one another.
  
  

• Location and distribution: If you need physical equipment (like computers or projectors), make sure they’re accessible and ready when needed.
  
  

4. Plan the logistical phases:

• Time planning: Decide when each resource will be needed and ensure it’s ready at that time.
  
  

• Responsibility distribution: If working in a team or collaborating with others, ensure everyone knows what resources they have and how to access them.
  
  

5. Monitoring and follow-up:

Once the project is underway, it's essential to track resource use and logistics. If something isn’t working or gets delayed, you’ll need to act quickly to fix it.

Example: How to apply these steps to our final year project

Let’s imagine we’re developing a final project related to a market study or data analysis.

Research:

• Resources:
  
  

  • Human: Access to advisors or experts in the field.
    
    

  • Material: Books, academic articles, online databases (e.g., JSTOR, Google Scholar).
    
    

  • Time: 2 to 3 weeks for literature review.
    
    

  • Cost: Are there any costs for accessing databases or buying books? Estimate a budget.
    
    

Writing:

• Resources:
  
  

  • Human: Your time for writing, peer collaboration for proofreading.
    
    

  • Material: Word processor (Word, Google Docs), citation templates (APA, MLA).
    
    

  • Time: Reserve enough time to write each section (introduction, theoretical framework, methodology, etc.).
    
    

Data analysis:

• Resources:
  
  

  • Material: Data analysis software (SPSS, Excel, Python, R).
    
    

  • Time: Days or weeks needed to collect and process data.
    
    

  • Cost: If you don’t have access to the necessary software, should you rent it or use a free version?
    
    

Presentation:

• Resources:
  
  

  • Human: Your time to prepare the presentation, collaboration with peers to rehearse.
    
    

  • Material: PowerPoint, projector, recording equipment (if the defense is online).
    
    

• Logistics: Ensure the technical equipment (computer, projector) is available for the presentation day.
  
  

Useful tools for managing resources and logistics:

• Trello or Asana: To organize tasks and assign resources
  
  

• Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets: To keep a detailed record of needed resources, associated costs, and estimated time
  
  

• Google Drive: To store documents and share resources with collaborators
  
  

• Gantt Chart: As mentioned earlier, this can also be used to visualize when resources will be needed throughout the project