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
Resource smoothing is the best suitable approach for MTD, as it helps them maintain a planned deadline even though its at an increased cost
Ogoke Nwachukwu Felicia O Cohort 18Team7
Resource smoothing is the best approach, being that the event has been fixed so the deadline has to be maintained
Resource leveling is wrong. Resource smoothing is better.
Levelling resources for MTDs Glassgow event may be a viable strategy if the project allows deadline to be flexible. choices to consider, includes resources available, implications for time, cost , quality, and resources available to avoid it being the wrong approach
Looking critically at the two scenario a resource leveling approach won’t be suitable for MTD and the Glasgow event because it focuses more on rescheduling, while these events have fixed dates. The best approach for this organization is resource smoothing
A resource levelling approach in this case is not feasible because, resource levelling allows for rescheduling which may affect project deadlines.
Resource smoothing on the other hand will cost more resources and work over time and increase overall project cost, but projects will be completed within deadlines.
Since the events have specific dates they’re holding, projects also needs to be accomplished within deadlines. So the best approach for MTD and Glasgow event is the resource smoothing.
Resource levelling will be beneficial in the MTD water project because time required will help in better managing the resources
The best approach for both companies due to their specialty won’t be the best method in order to have a smooth delivery and a better customer’s satisfaction resource smooth approach is the best to apply.
A resource leveling approach won’t be suitable for MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event because it focuses more on rescheduling, while these events have fixed dates. The best approach for this organization is resource smoothing
Christopher Nkanta Cohort 18 Team 3
With MTD, the water installation events company and the Glasgow event no is not possible to apply the resource levelling approach considering Resource smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs; resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadlines.