You have been asked to replace the project manager who was heading up your firm's new compensation and benefits system. One of the reasons the project manager is being replaced is because the project schedule had the wrong resources assigned (for example, resources who do not fully understand compensation and benefits). You have been asked to solve this problem quickly by either replacing the resources or getting the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits.
Present your recommendation for solving this critical resource problem by reviewing the pros and cons of each option.
Full Answer Section
Replacing the Resources
Pros:
- Replacing the resources with experienced compensation and benefits professionals would ensure that the project is staffed with the right people to get the job done.
- This would likely lead to a faster and more efficient project completion.
- It would also reduce the risk of errors and omissions in the new compensation and benefits system.
Cons:
- Replacing the resources would be expensive and time-consuming.
- It would also disrupt the project team and could lead to morale problems.
Getting the Resources Up-to-Speed
Pros:
- Getting the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits would be less expensive and time-consuming than replacing them.
- It would also avoid disrupting the project team and morale problems.
Cons:
- Getting the resources up-to-speed could take a significant amount of time, depending on their current knowledge level.
- There is also the risk that they may not learn everything they need to know about compensation and benefits in time to complete the project successfully.
Recommendation
I recommend that we get the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits. I believe that this is the best option because it is less expensive and time-consuming than replacing the resources, and it avoids disrupting the project team and morale problems.
Implementation Plan
To get the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits, I propose the following implementation plan:
- Assess the current knowledge level of the resources. This can be done through a survey, interviews, or a combination of both.
- Develop a training plan to address the gaps in the resources' knowledge. The training plan should be tailored to the specific needs of the resources, and it should be delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
- Provide the resources with access to resources and support. This could include access to compensation and benefits experts, online resources, and training materials.
- Monitor the progress of the resources and provide feedback. This will help to ensure that the resources are learning the material and that they are on track to complete the project successfully.
I believe that this implementation plan will allow us to get the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits quickly and efficiently, and it will minimize the disruption to the project team and morale problems.
Conclusion
I recommend that we get the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits. I believe that this is the best option because it is less expensive and time-consuming than replacing the resources, and it avoids disrupting the project team and morale problems. I have outlined an implementation plan that will allow us to get the resources up-to-speed quickly and efficiently.
Sample Answer
Recommendation for Solving a Critical Resource Problem
Introduction
I have been asked to replace the project manager who was heading up our firm's new compensation and benefits system. One of the reasons the project manager is being replaced is because the project schedule had the wrong resources assigned (for example, resources who do not fully understand compensation and benefits). I have been asked to solve this problem quickly by either replacing the resources or getting the resources up-to-speed on compensation and benefits.