Project is ramping up

1- Look at the project schedule which mentions how much manpower is required for each
activity and when.

2- Look at the staffing management plan and resources calender.

3- In each project I've worked in we used to due a histogram for the manpower over the
project cycle and a forecast based on that on what is required on monthly basis.

What to use when

Resource smoothing is used when the time constraint takes priority. The objective is to complete
the work by the required date while avoiding peaks and troughs of resource demand.

Resource levelling is used when limits on the availability of resources are paramount. It simply
answers the question ‘With the resources available, when will the work be finished?’

Shortage of resources
Given any constraint on a project you have two choices - live with the constraint and adapt
scope, schedule & cost to fit within the constraint or elevate the constraint using your influence &
persuasion.

Project has faced ramp down/ people on bench

Speak to other projects managers to see if they can be utilized elsewhere, provided it's allowed
within the company, and while not jeopardizing your project. This is potentially an opportunity to
bill back, if they are full time on your project.