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
It is necessary to understand that MTD has a deadline already that the propensity of change is slim. Hence, resource smoothing is their best approach if their are complications in not achieving their objective at the prescribed deadline.
I think they do prepare for it in all their projects further cost margin on the project agreement deliverables.
Resource overload in project management occurs when the workload exceeds the team’s available capacity, leading to delays, reduced quality, and burnout. According to standards from the Project Management Institute, it is a key risk to project success.
It is often caused by poor planning, inaccurate time estimates, uneven task distribution, and lack of visibility into team capacity. Overloaded team members can become bottlenecks, affecting overall project performance.
To manage it effectively, project managers should prioritize tasks, balance workloads, adjust timelines or scope, and maintain clear communication. Overall, addressing resource overload is essential for maintaining productivity, team well-being, and successful project delivery.
Use resource leveling early in the project to optimize workload, but switch to resource smoothing and resource augmentation as the event date approaches to avoid delays
I don’t think it’s safe to apply resource leveling in the MTD… because this could result to urgent rescheduling of a fixed program or conference which is not professional at all.
Resource smoothing is more considerable because deadlines of the main event, relationship with the sponsors in terms of trust must be kept.