Two project managers are working on separate projects that have identified the same subject matter expert (SME) as critical to their projects. Project A is using a predictive approach and Project B is

Allocating resources based on a project manager's experience level is not a primary criterion for maximizing overall project or program success when a critical resource is at stake.

When competing for a limited critical resource, the decision should be based on strategic alignment and overall program or organizational value. Allocating the SME to the project with the highest score in the program ensures the resource contributes to the initiative offering the greatest strategic benefit or return on investment, thereby maximizing the overall likelihood of success for the organization.

While predictive project planning might initially assume SME availability, a conflict arising necessitates prioritizing based on current strategic value rather than past assumptions, which might require adjusting the predictive plan.

Technical excellence is important in agile, but it is not the sole determinant of project success, nor does it automatically give an agile project priority over a predictive one for a shared critical resource; overall program value takes precedence.