How do resource smoothing and resource leveling differ from each other?
Resource smoothing aims to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs. On the other hand, resource leveling does not alter the existing resource capacity but instead emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
The accompanying diagram, sourced from the APM Body of Knowledge, provides a comparison between the two approaches.
Resource levelling and smoothing options (APM, 2019, p. 179)
© Association for Project Management (APM) (2019) APM Body of Knowledge (7th edn), Princes Risborough: APM.
At a more significant level of impact, certain projects undergo more than just rescheduling or resource allocation adjustments. They may undergo a reevaluation of their project scope by the project sponsor. This involves a broader analysis of the entire project and requires reconsideration of how time, cost, and quality interact within the project.
A prime example is the review of large-scale infrastructure projects like railways. Such projects often undergo rescaling due to increased costs, resulting in significant deviations from the original plans. The consequences of these revisions can affect the client and a wider range of stakeholders and may even result in the loss of subsequent work opportunities (Kerzner, 2009, p. 529).
Now, let’s consider MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event that you have been following in the course videos thus far. When examining the provided figure, do you think it would be feasible to implement a resource leveling approach in this scenario?
Share your thoughts and join the discussion below.
© The Open University
I don’t think the title of your article matches the content lol. Just kidding, mainly because I had some doubts after reading the article.
Yes, partially, in my own view.
For MTD’s Glasgow event, resource leveling would help smooth out workload and avoid overloading teams during peak installation periods. However, because the event has a fixed deadline and strict setup windows, full leveling isn’t realistic.
So, I’d say it’s feasible only to a limited extent: you can balance tasks earlier in the schedule, but you can’t completely shift critical activities without risking delays.
Can you be more specific about the content of your article? After reading it, I still have some doubts. Hope you can help me.
I think Resource smoothing will work better for them since there’s deadline for their delivery
Resource smoothing is the best option for me because every deadline is met with little chance of changing it
I would say Yes, Resource leveling can be applied to the MTD Glasgow project to optimize resource utilization, but its effectiveness will depend on the project’s scheduling flexibility and the deadline associated with the project.
I think resource smoothing is the best option because there is deadline for their deliverables and there is a very slim chance of changing it
Resource levelling can help work out issues with the balancing the workload on resources and aligning their usage with availability, but resource smoothing is a better option especially with the use of overtime