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
For MTD, resource leveling does not alter the existing resource capacity but instead emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
For the MTD and Glasgow project, it is not really applicable to use the resource leveling approach as it involves rescheduling tasks and can be more disruptive to the project schedule. Resource leveling may require changing task sequences or extending project deadline.
It is note worthy to say that resource smoothing is preferable as when external constraints or urgent situations arise, while resource leveling is more suitable when there is flexibility in project deadlines and resource adjustments can be made through rescheduling.
For this MTD scenario, the event has a deadline there, resource smoothing is more suitable,
In the case of MTD and Glasgow, since it is unlikely to reschedule the events, the preferred strategy will be resource smoothing though it will mean increasing project cost.
As regards MTD and the Glasgow event, since they are time based events, I’ll recommend the resource smoothing technique. Even though this may put a strain on the project budget as additional resources may be required, it’ll ensure the provision of quality output within stipulated timelines.
Resource smoothing will enable the project manager to keep track with his time schedule for project completion
Resource smoothing will be a better idea because it will ensure the project is done within the timeline
I will recommend resource smoothing as it help them increase the capacity needed to complete the project on deadline.
I think it would be challenging to apply a resource leveling approach in this context.
Just as we were taught in class that resource leveling is a technique used in project management to smoothen out resource usage over time, and this helps in ensuring that resources are allocated evenly throughout the project. However, in the context of an event like the Glasgow festival, the resources required (such as stages, sound systems, and personnel) are likely to be highly variable and dependent on that specific event and activities that will be taking place each day.
Given the dynamic nature of the schedule of the festival with different events and activities happening at the same time, it might be difficult to apply resource leveling effectively. Instead, MTD might focus on resource smoothing, which involves the allocation of resources to ensure that they are used efficiently, even if it means some of these resources are overallocated or under allocated at certain times.
Considering MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event as regards which better salvage the situation, either resource leveling or resource smoothing. In my opinion, resource leveling fits the Gasglow event better as it is a program-based event but resource smoothing fits the MTD installation, as chances are that time extension might be the best decision to attain an output quality.
Most importantly, however, looking 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
Mary Ayo
Due to the fact that MTD projects are tied to various events and in turn many varying stakeholders, resource leveling might not be the best approach as, there’s the challenge of maintaining, the project scope with the events date. Resource smoothing, appears to be a better approach, although it will incur extra project costs but the project timeline will be maintained.