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
Resources leveling would not be the best option for MTD, judging by the fact that the deadline will be impacted and the Glasgow event had a start date set. Resources leveling would not give enough room for the project to be delivered or completed.
Wale Oyegunle
Team 8 Cohort 16
Aminah YUSUFF
Team 2 Cohort 16
Resource leveling is considered safer than resource smoothing for several reasons:
1. Preserves project integrity: Resource leveling maintains the original project scope, timeline, and resources, ensuring that the project’s integrity is preserved.
2. No shortcuts: Unlike resource smoothing, leveling doesn’t involve taking shortcuts or compromising on quality to meet deadlines, reducing the risk of errors and omissions.
3. Even workload distribution: Leveling distributes workload evenly, avoiding overloading and understaffing, which can lead to burnout, mistakes, and accidents.
4. Reduced stress: By avoiding last-minute rushes and crunch times, resource leveling reduces stress on workers, minimizing the likelihood of mistakes and accidents.
5. Improved safety: By maintaining a steady and controlled workflow, leveling prioritizes safety and reduces the risk of accidents and incidents on site.
6. Better planning: Resource leveling encourages thorough planning, identifying potential resource constraints and mitigating risks proactively.
7. Less scope for errors: By avoiding hasty decisions and shortcuts, leveling minimizes the scope for errors, ensuring a higher quality output. While resource smoothing prioritizes meeting deadlines, resource leveling prioritizes project integrity, safety, and quality, making it a safer approach.
While resource smoothing is a viable option in this case, it also has its drawbacks. By prioritizing timely completion, it may lead to shortcuts that compromise the project’s quality and integrity. This approach can put undue pressure on workers, resulting in hasty workmanship, and potentially sacrifice health and safety standards, increasing the risk of accidents and incidents on site. This could ultimately jeopardize the project’s deadline and overall success.”
With the event looming, MTD and Glasgow face a time crunch that renders resource leveling impractical. The deadline is either too close or has already passed, making it challenging to allocate resources effectively. Furthermore, attempting to make do with inadequate resources may compromise the project’s quality.
On a short note, I will say NO. Resource levelling will not be possible or will not be the best option to bank on in those projects. My reason is that the events of the water corporation or the Glasgow events are time bounds, they are projects that have a specific and demand quick delivery. The Glasgow event for example, in a situation where we need to incorporate one of the strategies, Resource levelling would be a bad choice because it would likely affect the deadlines which would render the project useless since it would not be used on the day of the event. Resource smoothing would certainly be the best option here, of course, it will affect the costs of the project but it maintains the due date.
Resource smoothing is better as MTD needs to meet up with deadlines and also use solid quality.
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 impact project deadlines.
For MTD, resource leveling is not feasible due to a tight deadline. The date for the sporting event is fixed and difficult to change. Altering the date or deadline may incur additional costs for the client, as significant planning has already been completed. Moreover, changing the date could negatively impact the client’s reputation and result in hidden costs, such as cancellations from customers and health agencies who have scheduled appointments for the fixed date.
Resource smoothing is a feasible option; however, it has its downsides. It may compromise the project’s integrity, as shortcuts may be taken to ensure the project is completed as planned. This approach could increase pressure and stress on the workers, leading to rushed work. Additionally, it might compromise the health and safety or construction phase plan, potentially leading to accidents and incidents on site, which could adversely affect the project’s deadline.
JESUDIMU OPEYEMI
COHORT 16
TEAM 5
Resource Leveling involves adjusting start and finish dates based on resource availability to balance resource demand with supply. It is done when key resources are
1. only available at certain times, in limited quantities, or are over-allocated.
2. It is also used to keep resource usage constant and reduce fluctuations in demand for key resources.
Resource Smoothing adjusts the activities of a schedule model to ensure that the project’s resource requirements do not exceed specific predefined limits.
As MTD and Glasgow prepare for an event, resource leveling won’t be effective due to the tight deadline, which may be too close or even past the event date. Additionally, utilizing available resources that are insufficient for the project can lead to compromising its quality.
As MTD and Glasgow prepare for an event, resource leveling won’t be effective due to the tight deadline, which may be too close or even past the event date. Additionally, utilizing available resources that are insufficient for the project can lead to compromising its quality.
Considering that the MTD water project for instance has a direct impact on lives, resource smoothing will be a better approach. Deadlines can be extended on any other project such as road constructions, housing etc. Their impact might be minimal due to the availability of alternatives
A project such as the MTD water project in all it’s aspects has a direct bearing with dire consequences when the deadline is tampered.
Also, the MTD project involves water laboratory analysis. Any alteration or delay in the deadline can adversely affect water quality.
Ijeoma Egbu
COHORT 16