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
Resource smoothing won’t work for the Glasgow project and MTD. MTD typically organizes for events that have a set date to complete. They are better off with resource smoothing.
Implementing resource leveling approach in the cases of MTD and Glasgow won’t be the best idea. Resource smoothing approach will be the best approach to use especially in the case of MTD, where they noticed an error few days to the event, and the first set of participants were expected in a couple of days and they would need water. Using resource leveling at this point, will hinder the project and might end up spoiling their reputation.
A resource levelling approach would not be appropriate in the circumstance due to the Glasgow factor (poor wood) as this may adversely impact on the quality of MTD’s work.
For both the MTD project and the Glasgow event, I would consider the resource leveling approach. As it would ensure efficient utilization of resources, reducing idle time and overallocation. It will also help to identify and resolve resource conflicts and bottlenecks and enable the project managers to create a more realistic and achievable project schedule without increasing project costs.
I would suggest resource smoothing because this will help them remain on schedule even though there might be an increase in cost. However this will help the company maintain the level of quality that was proposed at the beginning.
A resource levelling approach in this case would have been detrimental to the project. The sporting event was not postponed and from the video the first set of participants were expected in a couple of days and these would need water. In my opinion resource levelling is not the way to go. MTD found a way to meet the deadline but incurred additional costs in the process which was discussed with sponsors.
I think in future if the sponsors have a similar project, MTD will be their go-to.
I second
Resource smoothing aims to redistribute resources without changing project deadlines, often leading to increased costs to maintain the original schedule.
Resource leveling adjusts project schedules to balance resource demand, potentially impacting deadlines but ensuring resource constraints are respected.
Both techniques are important for managing projects, with smoothing maintaining constraints and leveling prioritizing resource balance.
Resource leveling is the best option for this project given the MTD project cost because it will preserve the initial projects, nevertheless, it will have an impact on the project timeline in contrast to resource smoothing, which can raise the projects’ cost capacity.
Resources smoothing will be best to keep with timeline. I wouldn’t use resources levelling for MDT project. However is we start the planning early, we may consider resources levelling to minimise cost
In my opinion, in executing a water installation project at MTD, I wouldn’t implement the resource levelling approach as this would impact the timeline and the cost of the project being worked upon.