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
Yes the MTD can go ahead with resource leveling. It’s ok to reschedule with a possible impact on project deadlines.
Considering the dynamic nature of events like the Glasgow event, and the complexity of MTD’s operations, here’s an analysis of the feasibility of applying a resource leveling approach:
Challenges:
1. Unpredictable demand: Events like the Glasgow event may have unpredictable attendance, weather conditions, or last-minute changes, making it difficult to accurately level resources.
2. Variable resource requirements: Different events and installations may require unique resources, equipment, and personnel, complicating the resource leveling process.
3. Tight timelines: Events often have strict deadlines, leaving little room for adjustments or leveling resources.
Opportunities:
1. Core resources: MTD may have a core team of staff and resources that can be allocated across events, allowing for some level of resource leveling.
2. Standardized processes: Establishing standardized processes for event planning, installation, and management could help identify areas where resources can be leveled.
3. Collaboration and communication: Effective communication and collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and suppliers can help identify potential resource constraints and facilitate leveling.
Conclusion:
While there are challenges to applying a resource leveling approach in MTD’s events business, there are also opportunities to explore. By identifying core resources, standardizing processes, and fostering collaboration, MTD may be able to implement resource leveling strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
IGWE RUTH
The best approach to MTD and the Glasgow event challenges would be Resource smoothing because, Resource smoothing aims to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs. Due to the fact that the event is in some days time and MTD has a deadline to deliver
Considering the MTD and Gasglow company,
The best approach to be used in the case of MTD and Gasglow company is Resource Smoothing .
Because, new resources can be added to the project in order to deliver it on time to it’s clients and meetup deadline.
Resource Levelling can’t be used because of the following;
1) The MTD water company already have a deadline that they have to deliver.
2) Rescheduling task to match the available resources.
Implementing resource leveling for the Glasgow event project might be challenging due to its time-sensitive nature, interdependent tasks, and limited resources.
However, MTD could consider:
– Prioritizing critical tasks
– Breaking down large tasks
– Developing contingency plans
By taking a strategic approach, MTD might be able to implement resource leveling to some extent.
Ngozi Aniedobe
Using resource leveling approach in MTD or Glasgow might not work out well , reason is because it could have a negative impact on the company as regarding to feedback from the end users since resource leveling affects the expected delivery date as well as the overall quality. So instead I would say resource smoothing approach should be used, as adding more resources to meet deadlines brings good reputation to the company.
As a project manager, meeting deadlines remains paramount .
Considering the MTD and Gasglow company, Resource Levelling can’t be used because of the following;
1) The MTD water company already have a deadline that they have to deliver.
2) Rescheduling task to match the available resources.
The best approach to be used in the case of MTD and Gasglow company is Resource Smoothing .
New resources can be added to the project in order to deliver it on time to it’s clients and meetup deadline.
They can decide to work overtime thereby completing the project and deliver to it’s clients.
Resource Smoothing is more relevant and important for MTD and Gasglow company to adopt in order to meet the project deadline.
The challenge of floating the Glasgow event project is almost impossible because of the fixed date, hence i recommend Resource smoothing; though it will have an impact on the cost of the project.
Resource leveling approach should be applied to MTD’s Glasgow event.
The feasibility of MTD, the water installation events company to implement a resource leveling approach in the scenario of Glasgow event is very slim because resource leveling emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines. The challenge of floating the Glasgow event project is almost impossible because its fixed date, hence i recommend Resource smoothing; though it will have an impact on the cost of the project.