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 focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs while
Resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadlines. In the light of this, resource smoothing is recommended because it aims at increasing the cost of projects, adding new resources, and meeting up with the stipulated time, and deadline without having to extend it.
Resource soothing is the most favorable approach, it aims at the original project work because it is good for a time-based project.
I will recommend Resource soothing
Resource levelling will be the most favourable approach for MTD.
Resource smoothing aims to the original project work while resource level doesn’t aim at it , the best method to use is resource smoothing through MTD
For me I would explain what resource smoothing and resource leveling as project management techniques. However I will recommend:
* They conduct an evaluation of their resources, stakeholders willingness to provide additional funding, stakeholders reception of deadline extension viz-a-viz cost implications, cost of additional manpower or the stress of overtime of it’s staff etc
* The outcome of the evaluation will decide which project management technique to adopt.
For company MTD the best approach I would advice is resource smoothing because its good for a time based project like MTD project.
Resource smoothing and resource leveling are distinct project management techniques for handling resource constraints. Resource smoothing aims to adjust activities to maintain constant resource usage without extending project duration, potentially increasing costs. In contrast, resource leveling balances resource demand with availability, often extending project timelines without altering resource capacity.
For MTD’s Glasgow event, implementing resource leveling might be feasible if resource overallocation is a concern and deadlines are flexible. It offers a balanced resource allocation, potentially avoiding overutilization. However, it may lead to delays. If maintaining the original schedule is crucial, resource smoothing, despite higher costs, might be more suitable to ensure timely completion.
Choosing the right approach depends on the project’s specific needs, resource availability, and stakeholder expectations. For MTD, evaluating the importance of deadlines versus resource balance will guide the decision between resource smoothing and resource leveling.
Resource levelling technique aims to optimize resource utilization and ensure a more balanced workload across projects.
Using the resource levelling approach will lead to;
• Minimized conflicts and delays.
• Leads to a smoother operation
• Reduces bottlenecks
• Reduced risk of project overrun
In some situations however it may not be feasible to level resources if there are specific requirements for the project with regards to specific timelines.
i think Resource smoothing will be more appropriate in the case of MTD, however since it comes with an extra cost, parties must be notified and the reasons for more resource allocation be stated in a proper communication channel.