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
With the given scenario that happened with Glasgow, one of MTD’s clients, I would say that the best approach to remedy the situation would be to reschedule deadlines, which is Resource Leveling approach.
It will be easier to request & renegotiate for more time from your client than ask for more resources because that will be inconveniencing for them as an organisation. Financial expenditures come with planning & budgeting.
However, both resource leveling & resource smoothing approaches would have been proffered as available options, so that the client can also weigh their choices, & decide which one they prefer
I am of the opinion that the MTD project will work more effectively if the project manager and the team will leverage on the reality of resource levelling. By this, all non-critical activities within their available float will be delayed while non-critical activity durations within the available float will be extended.
Improved Organizational Performance
Optimized Resource Utilization: By ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently, organizations can maximize their return on investment.
Enhanced Organizational Agility: A flexible and adaptable workforce is better equipped to respond to changing business needs and market demands.
Improved Employee Morale and Retention: By reducing stress and burnout, organizations can improve employee satisfaction and retention.
Implementing resource smoothing will be a more approachable method for MTD’s temporary water installations at a major event like Glasgow, but it would depend on the flexibility of both the event schedule and resource availability
Events require strict timing and fixed deadlines and as such,I think Resource Smoothing would work best for MTD and Glasgow event though it can attract extra cost because they may likely extend the work hours or add more personnel to finish up.
Resource levelling could be applied to certain non-critical (time-fixed) tasks in the Glasgow event project, particularly during the early phases. However, it requires a careful balance to avoid delays impacting the overall timeline. MTD should conduct a thorough resource allocation review, identify tasks with flexible scheduling, ensure levelling does not affect the critical path or disrupt event-day operations.
This approach could optimize resource use while maintaining the event’s success.
Resource leveling does not change the capacity of the project and may not impact costs much. IN the water project being managed by MTD, i believe it is very feasible with proper information and feedback to and from relevant stakeholders.
I think implementing resource levelling approach in the MTD senario would be feasible because it does not change the current capacity of the project
For MTD, resources smoothing will be more effective in this case so as to meet project schedule, timeline and delivery on time.
MDT should adopt resource smoothing to meet project timelines, despite potential cost increases and timeline extensions. Customer satisfaction and quality service delivery will yield lasting benefits.”
– “To deliver projects on time, MDT should implement resource smoothing. While this may increase costs and timelines, customer satisfaction will drive long-term value.”