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
Though it can be challenging, it’s not impossible to apply a resource leveling approach to MTD’s Glasgow event, and with careful planning, flexibility, and proactive management, it can be achieved.
Difference between resources smoothing and rources levelling
Resource smoothing focus on preserving planned deadline but increasing projects cost.
Resource leveling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling with a possible impact on deadline
Resource leveling approach can be used in the MTD project and the glassglow
The resource leveling approach depends on resources available, project contrain deadline,impact of stake holders
Reallocating task, bringing additional resources,this helps to keep the project in track and in schedule
Ngozi Okolotu
Cohort 24 team 7
Resource levelling involves balancing the workload on resources usage with their available capacity; resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadlines
Resource smoothing is an alternative way of dealing with resource overload, it focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs
Yes, I will say it will be feasible to implement a resource levelling on the MTD, water installation event company and Glasgow event depending on the availability of resources, stakeholders involvement and the flexibility of the project work
In the case of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, implementing a resource leveling approach would depend on several factors,
1. Resource availability
2. Project constraints
3. Flexibility in scope
4. I impact on stakeholders.
If MTD has some flexibility in deadlines or some alternative resource option, resource level would be considered. However, it might not be the best approach if time is a priority. Instead, optimizing workflows, reallocating tasks, or bringing in additional resources would be better strategies to keep the project on track.
Resource overload is a common challenge in project management and work environments. this occurs when individuals or teams are assigned more tasks or responsibilities than what they can realistically handle or perform at a time, which in a way affects the lead time and performance.
Causes
• Over-commitment: multi Tasking or handling of too many projects at a time .
• Poor Planning: its generally said that he who fail to plan has plan to fail, so poor planning affect performance and delivery.
• Lack of Communication: Poorly or lack of communicating in a work environment affect the work flow and load expectations.
• Consequences:
o Stress and Burnout: Employees feel overwhelmed and experience reduced morale.
o Project Delays: Tasks fall behind schedule, impacting project timelines.
o Reduced Quality: Work suffers due to rushed efforts and lack of focus.
o Increased Costs: Delays and rework can lead to higher project costs.
o Attrition: Overworked employees may seek other opportunities.
Anticipating and Resolving Resource Overloads:
• Resource Planning:
Develop a comprehensive plan that considers resource availability, capacity, and skills.
• Resource Loading:
Track and visualize how resources are allocated across projects to identify potential overloads.
• Resource Leveling:
Adjust project schedules and task assignments to ensure resources are utilized effectively and avoid overloads.
• Communication:
Maintain open communication channels to ensure everyone understands their workload and expectations.
• Delegation:
Distribute tasks effectively to ensure no single person is overloaded.
• Prioritization:
Focus on the most critical tasks and projects to avoid spreading resources too thin.
• Flexibility:
Be prepared to adapt project plans and resource allocation as needed.
• Tools and Technology:
Utilize project management software and tools to track resource allocation, schedule tasks, and manage workloads.
• Training and Development:
Invest in training and development to ensure employees have the skills they need to manage their workload effectively.
Resource levelling is a technique that tries to ensure the balancing of the workload on resources with their overall capacity, it doesn’t change the planned deadline. Although resource levelling might be a good approach to be adopted by the MTD water company, it would pose a lot of negative effects such as impacting customers satisfaction and compromising the overall quality which would inturn ruin the reputation of the company.
Udoudoh Unyime Francis
Cohort 24 team 10
Resource leveling is a project management technique that addresses resource over-allocation by adjusting task schedules while maintaining overall efficiency. For MTD’s water installation project for the Glasgow event, assessing feasibility involves analyzing project constraints, resource availability, and the implications for cost and quality. If the Glasgow event has stringent time constraints, resource smoothing would be a more suitable approach, as it optimizes resource utilization while ensuring deadlines are met. Conversely, if the timeline is flexible, resource leveling may enhance efficiency and alleviate workforce strain.
Resource leveling can have negative side effects on projects with MTD or Glasgow. This can increase project costs due to additional resources, overtime, or extended timelines. . It can also cause delayed project completion due to resolving resource conflicts by delaying tasks, leading to a ripple effect. Furthermore, resource leveling can lead to reduced resource utilization efficiency, potential over-allocation of resources, and negatively impact team morale and productivity, ultimately affecting the project’s overall success. Customers or consumers may be disappointed and discourage in using their services in the future.
Alo Eunice Ooreofe
Cohort 24
Team 1
SUNDAY OHIOMAH
TEAM10, CH24
Implementing resource leveling in MTD or Glasgow may not be the most effective approach, as it can negatively impact customer satisfaction. Resource leveling can lead to delayed delivery dates and potentially compromised quality, which can harm the company’s reputation.
Instead, I recommend employing resource smoothing techniques. Adding resources to meet deadlines can enhance the company’s reputation and demonstrate its commitment to timely delivery. As a project manager, meeting deadlines is crucial, and resource smoothing can help achieve this goal while maintaining quality standards.
Resource leveling and resource smoothing serve different purposes in project management. Resource leveling focuses on adjusting schedules to avoid overloading resources, which may extend deadlines. Resource smoothing, on the other hand, ensures resources stay within limits while keeping project deadlines unchanged, sometimes increasing costs.
For MTD’s water installation events, a resource leveling approach could be feasible if there are resource constraints that require rescheduling. If labor or equipment availability is limited, adjusting timelines might be necessary to balance workloads. However, since events often have fixed deadlines, resource smoothing might be more practical to maintain schedules while efficiently distributing work. A hybrid approach could be useful, prioritizing key tasks while adjusting non-critical ones.
Resource leveling could work for MTD’s Glasgow event if scheduling flexibility allows, but delays may risk event deadlines. Since events have fixed dates, resource smoothing might be a better option to meet deadlines while managing resources efficiently. A careful analysis is needed to determine the best approach.