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
Using MTD and Glasglow event as case study, implementing resource leveling method would disrupt project deadline, thereby failing short of client’s expectations – it would be detrimental to the project and the management team. This is a predetermined output.
However, using resource smoothing method, would ensure that deadline is met by increasing cost through overtime, sourcing for external/alternative water supply while working to restore contaminated water line.
ALISON UMELO
cohort 17, team 2
In the instance of MTD and the Glasgow event, a resource levelling approach will be ineffective because the event date is predetermined and cannot be changed.
Rather, the resource smoothing technique such as using overtime will be relevant because it focusses on maintaining the project’s anticipated duration and deadline.
It will not be feasible to implement resource levelling in the Glasgow event because resource levelling involves shifting the scheduling of project activities within the available float (recall that FLOAT is a term used to describe how flexible a deadline is and what extent an activity can be rescheduled). Using overtime as one of the strategies in Resource smoothing can be encouraged to keep the project aligned with its schedule.
I also agree with you on this matter. Resource smoothing will be effective when compared to resource levelling as it enables one to still maintain the prescribed deadline
Based on the Glasgow event, and considering how important water is, to the end users, I think the application of smoothing approach will be the best, as it does not affect the planned end date of the project.
Considering the MTD water installation events company and the Glasgow event, I think applying a resource leveling approach could be challenging. Resource leveling involves rescheduling tasks to utilize existing resources more efficiently, without adding new resources or changing the project scope.
In the Glasgow event scenario, the tight deadline and fixed resources (e.g., venue, equipment, and staff) make it difficult to reschedule tasks without impacting the project timeline or quality. Additionally, the event’s complex logistics and interdependent tasks (setup, registration and installation) limit the flexibility for rescheduling.
However, if MTD identifies specific tasks or resources that can be adjusted without compromising the event’s overall quality or timeline, resource leveling might be applied to a limited extent. For instance, optimizing staff shifts or reallocating tasks among existing team members might be possible.
Applying a resource levelling approach to MTD’s water installation event with reference to the Glasgow event could be beneficial. Since resource leveling does not change the current capacity but focuses on rescheduling, there will be the consistency in resource utilization, resource allocation can be predicted enabling MTD to plan and allocate resources effectively thereby reducing any form of waste.
PAMELA OGECHI ANIBUKO. Cohort 17, team 2
I believe water is a very important in any household, community,workplace e.t.c. It is so important that people can pay and will be willing to pay twice the amount they used to pay just to get it. In my opinion,I believe resource leveling can be applied in MTD but will not be the best approach. I believe resource smoothing will be more beneficial to the company as time is a very important commodity as pertains to water availability.
LYDIA EHEBHO
Applying a resource leveling approach to MTD’s water installation events, particularly the Glasgow event, could indeed be beneficial. Resource leveling is a technique used to address resource over-allocation by adjusting the project schedule to ensure that resources are used efficiently and not overburdened.
Key Considerations for Resource Leveling
Identify Resource Constraints:
Personnel: Ensure that the team members are not over-allocated and have sufficient time to complete their tasks without burnout.
Equipment: Make sure that the necessary equipment for water installations is available when needed and not double-booked.
Adjust Project Schedule:
Flexible Deadlines: If possible, adjust deadlines to accommodate resource availability. This might mean extending the project timeline slightly to ensure quality work.
Task Rescheduling: Move tasks around to ensure that no single resource is over-allocated at any given time.
Prioritize Critical Tasks:
Critical Path Method (CPM): Use CPM to identify which tasks are critical and cannot be delayed without affecting the project completion date. Focus on leveling resources for these tasks first.
Monitor and Adjust:
Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check resource allocation and make adjustments as needed to address any new constraints or issues that arise.
Feedback Loop: Encourage team members to provide feedback on their workload and any potential issues with resource allocation.
Practical Steps for MTD’s Glasgow Event
Resource Allocation Plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines the allocation of personnel and equipment for each task.
Gantt Chart: Use a Gantt chart to visualize the project schedule and identify any potential resource conflicts.
Buffer Time: Include buffer time in the schedule to account for any unforeseen delays or issues.
By applying resource leveling, MTD can ensure that the Glasgow event runs smoothly, with all resources used efficiently and effectively. This approach can help prevent overwork, reduce stress, and ultimately lead to a higher quality outcome for the event
LYDIA EHEBHO
pilot
Sent by Copilot:
Applying a resource leveling approach to MTD’s water installation events, particularly the Glasgow event, could indeed be beneficial. Resource leveling is a technique used to address resource over-allocation by adjusting the project schedule to ensure that resources are used efficiently and not overburdened.
Key Considerations for Resource Leveling
Identify Resource Constraints:
Personnel: Ensure that the team members are not over-allocated and have sufficient time to complete their tasks without burnout.
Equipment: Make sure that the necessary equipment for water installations is available when needed and not double-booked.
Adjust Project Schedule:
Flexible Deadlines: If possible, adjust deadlines to accommodate resource availability. This might mean extending the project timeline slightly to ensure quality work.
Task Rescheduling: Move tasks around to ensure that no single resource is over-allocated at any given time.
Prioritize Critical Tasks:
Critical Path Method (CPM): Use CPM to identify which tasks are critical and cannot be delayed without affecting the project completion date. Focus on leveling resources for these tasks first.
Monitor and Adjust:
Continuous Monitoring: Regularly check resource allocation and make adjustments as needed to address any new constraints or issues that arise.
Feedback Loop: Encourage team members to provide feedback on their workload and any potential issues with resource allocation.
Practical Steps for MTD’s Glasgow Event
Resource Allocation Plan: Create a detailed plan that outlines the allocation of personnel and equipment for each task.
Gantt Chart: Use a Gantt chart to visualize the project schedule and identify any potential resource conflicts.
Buffer Time: Include buffer time in the schedule to account for any unforeseen delays or issues.
By applying resource leveling, MTD can ensure that the Glasgow event runs smoothly, with all resources used efficiently and effectively. This approach can help prevent overwork, reduce stress, and ultimately lead to a higher quality outcome for the event
In this case, MTD would be unable to resort to Resource Levelling, rather, Resource Smoothing would most likely be preferable, because the said event had already been scheduled by the organizers. All MTD does here is to manage the event.