Multi-Line trains project teams on effective manpower planning
By Francis Kenneth Billones
On January 24, 2026, HR Manager Ms. Luz Gastilo, together with the heads of Engineering, Project Implementation (PID), and Service Departments of Multi-Line Building Systems, Inc. (MBI), Multi-Line Structures Corporation (MSC), and Multi-Line Service Systems Inc. (MSSI), conducted a management training for Engineering Supervisors, Service Supervisors, Project Managers, and Project Engineers assigned to Visayas and Mindanao projects.
The training, Manpower Decision Making for Project Managers, guided technical leaders on making timely and appropriate manpower adjustments based on actual site progress, work priorities, and project timelines. It also enabled project teams to work efficiently while minimizing delays, resource waste, and cost overruns.
Module 1: Mindset and Accountability
Presented by Engr. Francis Kenneth Billones, this module explained how manpower decisions influence project margin, schedule, and safety. Participants reviewed common practices such as adding personnel without clear productivity needs and relying on external factors instead of taking ownership. The session emphasized that manpower planning is a management responsibility tied to project outcomes.
Module 2: Core Principle: Work, Time, Quality
Delivered by Engr. Remelia Firme, this module introduced a simple framework for evaluating manpower needs by checking available installable work, identifying deadlines at risk, and protecting quality. Practical site cases such as idle installers, overtime leading to rework, and insufficient skilled supervision reinforced that manpower levels should follow actual workload.
Module 3: Critical Path in Practical Terms
Mr. Aljun Austria explained how delays in key activities affect overall project completion. Participants identified critical activities within their projects and aligned manpower allocation to maintain project flow.
Module 4: When to Add and When to Reduce Manpower
Led by Engr. Michael Florendo, this module clarified valid conditions for increasing manpower, indicators for reduction, and the use of a skeleton crew when necessary. Participants evaluated scenarios and determined whether manpower should be added, maintained, or reduced, highlighting that idle manpower directly affects project cost.
Module 5: Standards and Options Before Headcount Change
Engr. Allan De Mesa discussed the utilization targets, cost versus progress considerations, and quality and safety indicators. He presented alternatives such as resequencing activities, redeployment, overtime adjustments, and skill reassignment as options before increasing manpower.
Module 6: Integration and Field Application
Facilitated by Mr. Paul William Alberto, this module focused on applying the concepts in daily operations. Participants reviewed a simple manpower decision flow, daily evaluation questions, and weekly manpower reviews, and prepared a manpower action plan for their respective projects.
After the session, participants completed an assessment to evaluate their understanding of the topics discussed. The training concluded by reinforcing a consistent approach: manpower decisions should support the project’s critical path, and disciplined evaluation ensures timely, efficient project completion.
