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
Considering the MTD events company and Glasgow event. It is feasible to implement a resource leveling approach because it helps to define the project scope including all tasks and activities required to complete it. It Identifies all the resources required to complete each task or activity within the project scope. Using resource leveling techniques would optimize resource utilization and avoid overallocation or underutilization of resources. This may involve adjusting task durations, rescheduling tasks, or reallocating resources to different tasks as needed.
Considering the MTD events company and Glasgow event. I think It is feasible to implement a resource leveling approach because it helps to define the project scope including all tasks and activities required to complete it. It Identifies all the resources required to complete each task or activity within the project scope. Using resource leveling techniques would optimize resource utilization and avoid overallocation or underutilization of resources. This may involve adjusting task durations, rescheduling tasks, or reallocating resources to different tasks as needed.
I think Resource Smoothing will be a more acceptable option for me because I always like to keep up with time and would try to avoid anything that will make me fall short of deadline…
Considering MTD, the water installation company, and Glasgow event, resource leveling approach might be feasible because this will help optimize resource utilization, minimize project delays, and improve overall project efficiency by ensuring that resources are allocated in a balanced and efficient manner throughout the project lifecycle. By smoothing out resource peaks and valleys, resource leveling will help to mitigate risks associated with resource constraints and contributes to the successful delivery of their project on time and within budget.
Considering MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, resource leveling approach could be feasible but would require careful planning.
This approach aims to manage resources available with a consideration of adjusting the project schedule to reduce the impact on project costs.
Resource leveling may not be ideal for the MTD water installation event company scenario, and the Glasgow event as the event is already scheduled, and meeting up with timelines is pivotal to the project’s success as resource leveling may require extending the timeline and other activities that may affect meeting up with deadlines.
In the scenario of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, resource levelling could potentially be applied to manage resources effectively. Resource levelling involves adjusting the schedule of activities within a project to ensure that resources are allocated evenly and efficiently over time, without exceeding resource constraints. This approach aims to avoid peaks and valleys in resource utilization, leading to a smoother and more balanced workload distribution.
Yes, it’s possible to apply a r. Resource leveling could help in managing resources more efficiently, smoothing out peaks and valleys in resource demand during the event preparations, thus ensuring a more balanced workload and optimized resource utilization.
Considering MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, resource leveling approach could be feasible but would require careful planning.
This approach aims to manage resources available with a consideration of adjusting the project schedule to reduce the impact on project costs.
However, most event have a fixed deadline for the event to kickoff so carefully planning such rescheduling would be needed to avoid interfering with the event kick off. This could lead to unsatisfied clients and loss of follow up work opportunities.
For the Glasgow event by MTD, a resource leveling approach could be beneficial based on the project’s circumstances.
This involves optimizing resource allocation to avoid overstaffing or understaffing throughout the project. Resource leveling prioritizes rescheduling tasks to stay within resource capacity, potentially impacting the project schedule. Careful planning is crucial for successful implementation.