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 can successfully adopt the resource leveling approach as they can leverage on the use of past data and event experience to Inform resource allocation decisions with insights from such past events. They can also collaborate with stakeholders, work closely with teams, vendors, and clients to understand their needs and constraints.
Since resource scheduling does not change the current capacity but focuses on rescheduling, I don’t think it would be suitable to apply it to the Glasgow event because of the tight deadline.
However, resource smoothing would be the most suitable resource strategy to apply because of time constraints, resource optimization, and avoidance of peaks and troughs.
Given the deadline they have and that the event cannot be moved to a new date.
MTD has to deliver before the sports event commences.
Resource smoothing is the best option for the MTD project.
Odinfe David Chika
Cohort16
Team7
Based on the past experience, complexity of the project, the project scope and unpredicted environment, rescheduling resources within their available capacity will be a better option for MTD project.
This approach leverage on stable workload in order to avoid the risk of stress.
Applying a resource levelling approach to MTD’s Glasgow event might be challenging, considering the project’s scope and complexity. Resource levelling aims to balance resource allocation to minimize delays and bottlenecks. However, in a project like the Glasgow event, which involves multiple stakeholders, vendors, and logistical considerations, revising the project scope might be more appropriate.
Given the potential for unforeseen issues and changes in stakeholder requirements, a more flexible approach like agile project management might be better suited for MTD’s event planning. This would allow for iterative planning, continuous improvement, and adaptability to changing circumstances.
If a resource levelling approach were to be applied, it would likely require significant adjustments to the project timeline, budget, and resource allocation. This could lead to trade-offs between time, cost, and quality, potentially impacting the event’s overall success and stakeholder satisfaction.
In cases like large infrastructure projects or complex events like MTD’s Glasgow event, a comprehensive project scope revision, as mentioned in the text, might be a more effective approach to address changes and challenges, ensuring the project meets its objectives and delivers the desired outcomes.
Certainly, the implementation of resource leveling is deemed essential in this scenario.
Considering MTD’s role as a water installation events company involved in the Glasgow event, the application of resource leveling could significantly enhance resource Allocation strategies and ultimately lead to the success of the event.
In conclusion, the adoption of a resource leveling approach holds strong feasibility for MTD due to their capacity to leverage past data effectively, engage stakeholders collaboratively, and remain adaptable to changing event dynamics.
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Stephen Izuchukwu Emeasoba.
Cohort 16, Team 9.
In resource smoothing, project deadlines is maintained while project costs is increased. And for resource leveling project costs is maintained while project deadlines is extended.
From one of the course videos (Identifying the cost of quality in a project) the MTD representative stated that they build in a certain amount of redundancy into the system to for see problems or challenges like additional spec or extra resource that is required on the job. And in another course video (planning for quality) where they had contamination from the main source which happen 3 days before the venue go life. Rather than extending the deadlines they brought in water tanker and kept to the deadline.
From the course videos above, it would be feasible for MTD to implement a resource smoothing approach in this scenario because it’s already built into their system.
In resource smoothing, project deadlines is maintained while project costs is increased. And for resource leveling project costs is maintained while project deadlines is extended.
From one of the course videos (Identifying the cost of quality in a project) the MTD representative stated that they build in a certain amount of redundancy into the system to for see problems or challenges like additional spec or extra resource that is required on the job. And in another course video (planning for quality) where they had contamination from the main source which happen 3 days before the venue go life. Rather than extending the deadlines they brought in water tanker and kept to the deadline.
From the course videos above, it would be feasible for MTD to implement a resource smoothing approach in this scenario because it’s already built into their system.
Yes, applying resource levelling will be necessary. MTD and Glasgow have similar activities situations of multiple tasks. Resource levelling will aid in allocating resources evenly to avoid overallocation or underallocation during the project. It could also reduce potential delays on the project ensuring balanced work load. It can also help in uptimizing resources allocation and uptimization
Reflecting on MTD, the water installation events company, and their involvement in the Glasgow event, resource leveling could significantly optimize resource allocation and contribute to a successful event. By leveraging historical data and event experience, MTD can make informed resource allocation decisions based on insights from past events. Close collaboration with stakeholders—including teams, vendors, and clients—to understand their needs and constraints is crucial. This ensures all parties are aligned and resources are allocated where they are most needed.
Implementing a flexible resource allocation strategy allows MTD to adjust allocations as event requirements evolve. Continuous monitoring and real-time adjustments are essential for maintaining optimal resource leveling, ensuring resources are used efficiently throughout the event.
Overall, adopting a resource leveling approach appears highly feasible for MTD, given their ability to utilize past data, collaborate with stakeholders, and remain adaptable to changing event requirements.
Afolabi Isaac
Cohort 16 Team1