Introduction
Ensuring the right availability of skills at the right time without carrying the associated cost of surplus or low levels of utilisation is an ongoing issue. Internal policies restrict headcount, recruitment is difficult, yet attrition is rising. Specialist skills shortages are putting projects and support at risk. Business demands and the increasing rate of change stretch an already over-burdened team.
Losing control through outsourcing may not be an option though building some flexibility and sharing some risk is attractive. Turning contract resource on and off gives some flexibility but increases the risk, cost and management overhead whilst knowledge retention is lost, costs become unpredictable.
Planning effectively and aligning resource levels to the business needs is a continuing struggle, the requirement to respond quickly and efficiently is unforgiving and yet there seems to be limited outside help available from people who understand the issues.