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.
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MTD implementing resource leveling is feasible in the sense that they’ll get their desired result but it might deter the timing of the event
Making the event not to get the necessities as at planned
Yes it is, adopting resource leveling in the case of MTD will definitely help them to meet up with the time scheduled for the project and also meet up with the standard quality of the project.
Resource levelling is best method of MTD, it help in rescheduling the plan and deadlines.
I suggest considering hybrid strategies, such as partial resource leveling or combining it with resource smoothing (which respects project deadlines). This approach balances workloads while ensuring the event stays on schedule but if the client would allow for extension of deadline then resources leveling can be fully implemented.
Resource levelling in the case if MTD can be very challenging, so Implementing resource smoothing will be a more appropriate method for MTD’s temporary water installations at a major event like Glasgow.
I think it would be feasible to implement a resource smoothing and resource levelling
approach in this scenario of MDT water installation events company, and the Glasgow event. This is because Through proper planning, cost can be controlled, and at the same time, extension of time in project execution can sometimes be easily accommodated when cost increases. I believe that with efficient resource allocation and a focus on critical tasks the aim of the project will be achieved.
I think Resource levelling approach will be appropriate in the MTD water installation scenario for a better outcome.
Implementing Resource Leveling in the Glasgow Event Scenario
The Glasgow event, organized by MTD, presents a complex project management scenario. Considering the tight deadlines, interdependent tasks, and specialized resources required, implementing resource leveling appears challenging. However, it is not impossible.
Resource leveling involves optimizing resource allocation to minimize workload peaks and valleys. To apply this technique to the Glasgow event, MTD could focus on critical tasks with the greatest impact on the timeline. Adjusting task durations and allocating resources efficiently are also crucial strategies.
A more detailed project schedule and improved resource allocation management are essential for successful resource leveling. By breaking down tasks into smaller chunks and implementing an efficient resource allocation system, MTD can optimize resource utilization.
While implementing resource leveling in the Glasgow event scenario is demanding, it is achievable with careful planning, efficient resource allocation, and a focus on critical tasks.
MTD is a water installation company with extensive experience, so it’s expected that they account for every possible scenario when planning a project. Given their expertise, they are likely to implement resource leveling when faced with unforeseen challenges that cannot be avoided.
On the other hand, Glasgow, as an event company renowned for delivering exceptional results under pressure, is expected to maintain project deadlines even in the face of unexpected issues. To achieve this, they would likely prepare for contingencies by increasing project costs through resource smoothing. The show must continue….
Rescheduling deadlines is the best approaches to manage the Glasgow and MTD situations. Resource leveling .
Considering MTD, the water installation events company and the Glasgow event, resource levelling feasible and beneficial. This is directly proportional to how flexible the project timeline is. Through proper planning, cost can be well controlled and at the same time, extension of time in project execution can sometimes be easily accommodated that cost increase. Hence, resource smoothing and resource levelling approaches is key.