I proposed a similar solution to our allocation problem at work. At the time, work was allocated via a weekly meeting between project managers and team leads who arguing over fake projections and demanding every job be done by the best team member. I suggested each pm be given a dollar total based on the jobs they were managing and allowed to bid for services each week. Name-brand services (e.g., “I need developer X”) would incur a premium over the regular hourly rate.

My thought was the scarcity would encourage more accurate forecasting (as opposed to reserving time way in advance that you wind up not using), reduce the amount of name-brand development and reduce the arguing and time wasted in allocation meetings. You’ll note the meeting could be replaced entirely by a shared spreadsheet or fairly simple app.

The idea died a horrible death.