A resource converts to a cost when it is what in a project?

In project management, a resource converts to a cost when it is actually invested in the project. This means that the resource, whether it's manpower, materials, or equipment, transitions from being merely a planned or projected resource into an actual expenditure that impacts the project's budget.

When a resource is invested, it signifies that funds have been spent or allocated toward acquiring that resource for use within the project. This financial commitment is crucial for tracking the project's financial health and understanding how actual costs stack up against the budgeted costs.

While resources can be allocated or requested as part of project planning, these actions do not directly translate into costs until the resource has been invested. Similarly, purchasing a resource typically involves an investment, but not all purchases result in an immediate cost until the resource is actively utilized in the project. Therefore, the most accurate term that describes when a resource converts to a cost within the context of project management is when it is invested.