How to assess your resource requirements
All organisations require resources to provide services, reach markets, maintain relationships with clients and earn revenue. Being clear about your resource needs is essential for your organisation’s viability and annual budget planning.
Resource needs differ depending on the type of service model you provide. Understanding what resources you need will help you decide what services you are able to provide. If these are beyond your budget, you could look at partnering with other organisations and pooling resources. For example, you may require a mini-bus to transport your clients. It could be cost-effective for you to jointly purchase this with another organisation or hire one of their vehicles.
Map all the resources needed to deliver services and operations
Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- What resources do we need to provide services to clients and stakeholders?
- What physical, intellectual, human and financial resources are needed to manage and support service delivery?
- What resources are required to analyse performance and plan effective and efficient operations?
- Will a lack of resources prevent your organisation from achieving its objectives?
- Are internal resources required or can some be accessed through partnerships?
You can map resources in conjunction with your activity mapping. This enables you to determine which of the following elements are the critical activities for organisational sustainability and service delivery. You need to include the secondary administrative tasks you undertake to keep the doors open, e.g. manage payroll, operate a website or engage on social media.
Use the table below to identify all the resources required across your organisation.
|
|
Commercial |
|
Impact |
|
Physical Resources |
Facilities, infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, systems, distribution networks |
+ |
Special equipment and infrastructure, systems, accessible buildings |
|
Intellectual Resources |
Brands, knowledge, client management systems, partners, business knowledge and skills |
+ |
Impact knowledge and skills, pro-bono support partners, research partners |
|
Human Resources |
People, staff, partners, volunteers |
+ |
Champions and advocates, support staff, brokers, allies, support networks |
|
Financial Resources |
Cash, access to finance |
+ |
Access to funds to cover impact costs , benefactors, donations funding |
|
Impact Resources |
|
+ |
Methods and networks to assess and evaluate impact, all other assets needed to ensure impact delivery |
Resources
How to identify activities related to service delivery and operations
How do I use the Key Resources block of the Business Model Canvas?
Business model design for Social Enterprises