Who would we not allow, under any circumstance, to conduct the measurements needed to determine appropriate man-hours?

The functional community typically refers to the people or teams within an organization that have specialized knowledge or skills specific to the functions they perform. While they are knowledgeable about their area, allowing them to conduct measurements to determine appropriate man-hours could lead to conflicts of interest or biased results. They may unconsciously inflate time estimates due to their desire to ensure their team is seen as productive or to protect their own interests. This could compromise the accuracy of the measurements needed for effective workforce planning and resource allocation.

In contrast, internal auditors, project managers, and external consultants often have a broader perspective or a more objective stance regarding project measurement and human resource allocations. Internal auditors ensure compliance and objective evaluation, while project managers focus on the overall efficiency and progress of the project. External consultants can provide an unbiased view, drawing on industry benchmarks and practices without the internal pressures that might influence operational staff. Thus, allowing these groups to conduct the needed measurements is generally preferable for maintaining impartiality and accuracy.