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
MTD works better with resource smoothing since they have to meet up with deadlines and cannot compromise quality
MTD major goal is to meet deadlines with solid quality , so in this case Resource smoothing is a better option for MTD, while Resource leveling will not work for MTD.
Example Scenario
Current Situation: You have a project with a fixed deadline, but resources are over-allocated in the middle of the project.
Approach: Identify non-critical tasks that can be postponed. Use project management software to adjust the schedule automatically, ensuring that no resources are overburdened at any given time.
Outcome: The project might take longer to complete, but resource over-allocation is avoided, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring quality work.
If you provide more details about your specific scenario, I can offer a more tailored approach to implementing resource leveling.
MTD is a company that is concerned with meeting deadlines. Applying resource levelling will affect the deadline causing a delay in meeting deadline which is not good for them. I think resource smoothing will work best for MTD even though it is time limited. It would only cause them to work overtime.
Glasgow event can go with resource levelling since they can easily change the deadline. It would enable them to get a new date and deliver.
Seeing as MTD and Glasgow work towards an event Resource levelling would not work because the new deadline might be too close to the event or past the event. Also working what they have (using available resources) when its too low for the project can lead to compromising quality.
I don’t think it would be feasible to implement a Resource levelling approach for MTD as their aims to maintain original project deadlines. So I believe Resource smoothing is a suitable option for MTD.
Thinking about the MTD water project and Glasgow event requires separate approach
The MTD water project requires timing and good planning techniques. Applying resource leveling approach will not be a good idea as the project end date will not be feasible, rather resource smoothing will help to achieve the goal and timing faster.
For Glasgow event it’s major problem was resources (water limitation) during the ongoing event, resource leveling can be applied, the project manager is in charge of optimizing the provided limited resources. The schedule isn’t fixed and so the resource leveling helps to figure out the end date of the project with the available resources.
Resource levelling will not work for MTD as their major goal is to meet deadlines with solid quality. In this case Resource smoothing is a better option for MTD.
MTD aims at achieving project deadlines and quality
From Joseph Ikechukwu Onyeocha:
Applying a resource leveling approach to MTD, the water installation events company, and their Glasgow event involves smoothing out resource demand over time to avoid peaks and troughs, thus optimizing resource utilization and potentially reducing costs. This approach typically balances the workload of resources like labor, equipment, and materials to match the available capacity.
In the context of the Glasgow event, which involves complex water installations, resource leveling could be challenging yet beneficial. Here’s how it might apply:
1. Resource Utilization: MTD could analyze the resource requirements for each phase of the event (e.g., planning, setup, execution) and spread out resource usage evenly. This prevents overloading certain resources at specific times, reducing stress and potential burnout among employees.
2. Cost Management: Smoothing out resource demand can lead to cost savings. For instance, by avoiding last-minute rushes or idle periods, MTD can optimize the use of equipment and minimize overtime costs.
3. Project Schedule: Resource leveling helps in creating a more predictable project schedule. This is crucial for MTD to meet deadlines and deliver installations on time, especially for high-profile events like the one in Glasgow.
4. Constraints and Challenges: However, applying resource leveling in event management isn’t always straightforward. Factors like client demands, weather conditions, and unforeseen events can disrupt planned schedules. MTD would need flexibility and contingency plans to adapt to these changes without compromising the overall project.
5. Technology and Tools: Utilizing project management software and tools that support resource leveling can enhance MTD’s ability to manage resources efficiently. These tools can provide real-time visibility into resource allocation and help in making informed decisions.
In conclusion, while resource leveling offers clear benefits in terms of resource optimization and cost management for MTD’s event in Glasgow, it requires careful planning, flexibility, and the right tools to navigate potential challenges effectively. It’s a strategic approach that can contribute to the success of complex water installation events by ensuring resources are used efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.