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
A COMPREHENSIVE VIEW OF RESOURCE OVERLOAD (Discussion)
Yes, it would be possible to apply a resource levelling approach to MTD’s Glasgow event project, but it would depend on the project constraints and flexibility in scheduling.
FEASIBILITY OF RESOURCE LEVELLING FOR MTD
1. EVENT FIXED DEADLINES – Major events, like the Glasgow project, often have strict timelines (e.g., opening day). Resource levelling, which adjusts schedules to balance workloads, might be difficult if tasks cannot be delayed. However, some preparatory phases (like infrastructure setup) could benefit from levelling.
2. REGULATORY And LOGISTIC CONSTRAINTS – MTD must comply with water and environmental regulations. If approvals take longer than expected, resource levelling could help by adjusting workload distribution rather than overloading teams with unrealistic deadlines.
3. BALANCING TEAM EFFORT – MTD’s workforce and equipment availability must be optimized to prevent burnout or inefficiencies. Resource levelling could help in spreading tasks evenly across available resources, ensuring steady progress without overwhelming key personnel.
4. RISK OF DELAYS – If resource levelling extends timelines, alternative strategies (e.g., resource smoothing or adding extra workforce) may be needed to keep deadlines intact while avoiding bottlenecks.
In conclusion, while full resource levelling may not be feasible due to the fixed event deadline, a hybrid approach—using levelling for early stages and resource smoothing closer to the event—could help optimize efficiency without delaying the project.
OGBEKHIULU, Cynthia Ikhiannosen
Cohort 24, Group 7
In the context of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, increasing resources to adhere to the scheduled dates will ensure the events’ success, despite the higher costs, which are justifiable in this case. Therefore, resource smoothing is the most suitable approach. Event planning involves significant stakes and numerous stakeholders, and adopting resource leveling would only complicate the situation further.
Examing the project of the MTD, Resource Smoothing would be a better approach.
Due to fixed deadlines of the events, I don’t think adopting Resource levelling approach is the best in this case except it is a non critical task. Resource smoothing or a hybrid approach would be better for a company like MTD
Resource smoothing would be better but one needs to summon meeting among the stakeholders or team members where opinions and views could be share
Examining the provided figure In view of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow, I think resource leveling may not be the best approach considering the project schedule isn’t flexible as it is an event with a scheduled date. Resource smoothing is a better approach as it helps to avoid overworking resources and potentially improves project efficiency without changing the overall project duration.
Examining the provided figure In view of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow, I think resource leveling may not be the best approach considering the project schedule isn’t flexible as it is an event with a scheduled date. Resource smoothing is a better approach as it helps to avoid overworking resources and potentially improves project efficiency without changing the overall project duration.
Considering MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event in such a situation, increasing resources to maintain the dates will lead to the success of the events, which is why resource smoothing will best solve the situation. It takes a lot at stake when putting together an event, and many stakeholders are involved, and resource leveling would make the situation more difficult.
Resource leveling would be a bad idea considering the fact that the event has already a set date. Resource smoothing is a better approach.
Resource leveling will not be advisable here, as an event has a time frame and resource leveling tend to impact on project deadlines, hence a resource smoothing will be advisable, as it tends to maintain and adhere to the project deadline, while impacting on the project cost.