How to measure Resource Allocation in software development
A knowledge-centric approach.
Resource Allocation in Software Development
Resource allocation involves assigning available resources to projects in the most effective way. Resources can include people, equipment, finances, and time.
In software development, knowledge is considered the primary resource. This knowledge is embodied in people. It is referred to as "developer's capabilities," which encompass the comprehensive set of skills, experience, and theoretical knowledge that a developer possesses. These capabilities include their ability to understand complex problems, utilize technical skills, and apply their knowledge practically to create effective software solutions.
This resource is allocated when it is applied to produce tangible outputs, such as working software.
The emphasis is on how this resource is distributed to ensure that every aspect of the project is covered efficiently, and the resource is utilized without waste. The goal of resource allocation is to maximize the efficiency of resource use while achieving the project's objectives. Effective resource allocation helps to ensure that:
- The right resources are available at the right time.
- Resources are used efficiently without overuse or waste.
- Project deadlines are met with quality results.
For developers, this involves determining who works on what tasks and how much of their capability is dedicated to various activities. It’s about matching the available resources to the demands of all projects effectively.
Resource Allocation Measurement
To effectively measure this allocation of knowledge, we use the Knowledge Discovery Efficiency (KEDE) metric. KEDE values range from 0 to 100, representing the extent of a developer's knowledge application:
- A KEDE value of 0 indicates no allocation of the developer's capabilities—meaning the developer's knowledge is not being applied to the project at that time.
- A KEDE value of 100 signifies full allocation, where the developer's capabilities are fully utilized in applying knowledge to project tasks.
This metric helps in assessing how effectively the knowledge and skills of software developers are being utilized in the development process, ensuring that projects are staffed optimally and that each developer's talents are used efficiently.
The resource allocation diagram below answers the question: "How are different developers (each with their unique skills and expertise) allocated over time to a specific project over a specified time period?"
On the x-axis, we have the week dates, and on the y-axis, we have the weekly KEDE values. The chart displays a series of stacked bars, with each bar representing the capability for the selected project. Each bar is divided into segments, with each segment corresponding to the fraction of capability contributed by a specific software developer. The legend lists all the developers who contributed to the selected project, and the colors in each bar indicate which developer made each contribution.
By using this chart, it is possible to identify which developers had the greatest allocation to the project during any given week or over the entire period. This information can help organizations to optimize their development teams and assign tasks more effectively. Ensuring that the project progresses efficiently without overloading any single team member is crucial for effective project management and planning, ultimately improving project outcomes.
Developer Allocation
The developer allocation diagram below answers the questions: "How a developer's workload is distributed, which projects are consuming most of their talent, and how their skills and efforts are being utilized within the organization?"
On the x-axis, we have the week dates, and on the y-axis, we have the weekly KEDE values. Each bar represents the capability of the selected developer divided into a number of segments, each corresponding to the fraction of the capability that the developer contributed to a particular project. This allows for a clear visualization of the developer's allocation across different projects.
This visualization is crucial for ensuring that the developer's skills are utilized efficiently without risking burnout. It also assists managers in making informed decisions about project assignments and workload distribution.
How to cite:
Bakardzhiev D.V. (2024) How to measure Resource Allocation in software development https://docs.kedehub.io/kede/kede-resource-allocation.html
Works Cited
1. Senge, P.M. 1990: The Fifth Discipline , Random House, 1990
2. Garvin DA. Building a learning organization. Harv Bus Rev. 1993 Jul-Aug;71(4):78-91.
3. Guide on Measuring Human Capital, UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE, 2016 [Online]. Available: https://unstats.un.org/unsd/nationalaccount/consultationDocs/HumanCapitalGuide.web.pdf
4. Baron, A. (2011), "Measuring human capital", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 30-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/14754391111108338
5. Keeley, Brian, 2007, “Human Capital, How What You Know Shapes Your Life,” OECD Insights, Paris
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