"First Come, First Served": Sunrise Restoration's Resource Challenges

This instance is designed to show the difficulties in resource assignment, particularly when project managers within the same organization compete for the use of scarce and important human resources to complete their jobs. The capacity to obtain resources is frequently the consequence of chaotic bargaining and negotiation among equals in the absence of clear instructions from top management and a legitimate prioritization system. This case is based on a true story, and the consequences were quite similar to how they were presented in the case. For fear of underutilization, the firm owner did not want to invest in extra resources.

He valued the approach of negotiating among his project managers, even if it resulted in poor use of the available resources.

Students may be asked to argue the alternatives available to Sunrise to manage its resources on behalf of the owner or Tyler.

Question 1

i. Describe some of Sunrise's and its project managers' resource restrictions.

ii. Is Sunrise's present resource assignment prioritization approach viable? What is your reasoning?

iii. How may technology help Sunrise with its resource management issues?

iv. Will Tyler's idea to recruit more professionals and buy more equipment alleviate Sunrise's resource problems? What is your reasoning?

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