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
Considering MTD ,the water installation events company. using resource levelling as a strategy will not be a feasible to approach to implement because resource levelling involves rescheduling and extension of dead lines but as a event water installation company, deadlines might not be tolerated because projects will have have time limitations.
Resource levelling is not advisable for both MTD and Glassgow Events because it will affect deadlines and quality.
Considering MTD’s water installation events and the Glasgow event, applying a resource leveling approach may be difficult but could be possible under specific conditions.
Challenges with resource leveling:
1.Event Deadlines: The Glasgow event likely has a fixed deadline, and resource leveling can push the project timeline, which would be unacceptable.
2. Impact on Quality: If resource leveling causes delays, the work might get rushed toward the deadline, affecting quality.
3.Stakeholder Expectations: Any delays or drop in quality could harm client satisfaction and MTD’s reputation.
When resource leveling could work:
1. Early Planning: If resource shortages are identified early, some tasks like planning or procurement could be rescheduled without affecting the final event setup.
2. Flexible Resources: If MTD has extra resources available that can be moved between tasks or projects, resource leveling might be possible without affecting critical deadlines.
3. Non-Critical Tasks: Resource leveling might work for internal tasks that have some flexibility in timing without risking the main event deadline.
Alternative approach–Resource Smoothing: Given the tight deadlines for the Glasgow event, resource smoothing might be a better option. It would help to optimize the use of resources within the planned deadlines, even if it means adding temporary resources or overtime.
In Conclusion, While some limited resource leveling could work in certain cases, due to the fixed deadlines, resource smoothing is likely the better approach to ensure the water installation is done on time and to a high standard
Resource leveling is a scheduling technique used to allocate resources effectively, ensuring that no single resource is overloaded or underutilized.
Considering the Glasgow event scenario:
Feasibility of Resource Leveling:
1. *Complexity of the project*: The event setup involves multiple tasks, such as installing water pipes, setting up tents, and managing logistics. Resource leveling can help manage this complexity.
2. *Limited resources*: The event has limited resources, including equipment, labor, and materials. Resource leveling can ensure that these resources are allocated efficiently.
3. *Time constraints*: The event has a tight timeline, with a specific setup and teardown schedule. Resource leveling can help ensure that resources are allocated to meet these deadlines.
However, there are also some challenges to consider:
1. *Unpredictable task durations*: Some tasks, such as installing water pipes, may have unpredictable durations due to factors like weather or soil conditions. This can make it difficult to accurately level resources.
2. *Dependent tasks*: Some tasks may be dependent on others, making it challenging to allocate resources effectively.
To implement resource leveling successfully in this scenario:
1. *Accurate task duration estimates*: Ensure that task durations are estimated as accurately as possible, taking into account potential uncertainties.
2. *Resource allocation planning*: Develop a resource allocation plan that takes into account the limited resources, task dependencies, and time constraints.
3. *Regular monitoring and adjustments*: Regularly monitor the project’s progress and adjust the resource allocation plan as needed to ensure that resources are being used efficiently.
By carefully planning and implementing resource leveling, MTD can ensure that resources are allocated effectively, reducing the risk of delays, cost overruns, and resource underutilization.
Yes
Applying Resource Levelling in MTD’s Water Installation Project
Resource levelling could be a viable approach for MTD’s water installation project at the Glasgow event. This method involves adjusting the project schedule to balance workload without exceeding existing resource capacity. By redistributing tasks across available timeframes, MTD can reduce workforce strain and optimize equipment usage.
However, there are challenges and considerations to keep in mind. The event’s fixed deadlines and stakeholder expectations make it difficult to extend schedules. Additionally, levelling may lead to inefficiencies if tasks are delayed unnecessarily, creating a cost vs. flexibility trade-off.
If flexibility is limited, resource smoothing might be a more viable alternative. This approach ensures deadlines are met while temporarily increasing resources as needed. However, if rescheduling is feasible, levelling could help MTD optimize workforce utilization without overspending.
Resource leveling is a project management technique used to balance resource demand by adjusting project schedules. When considering MTD, a water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, the feasibility of implementing a resource leveling approach would depend on factors such as:
Resource Availability & Demand – If MTD faces periods of high resource demand (e.g., technicians, equipment, or water supply systems) followed by low-demand periods, leveling could help smooth out workload fluctuations.
Project Schedule Flexibility – If the Glasgow event has strict deadlines, resource leveling might be challenging since it could extend task durations to balance resource usage. However, if the event setup allows some scheduling flexibility, leveling could optimize resource allocation without causing delays.
Critical Path Considerations – If key installation tasks are on the critical path, delaying them to balance resources might not be an option without impacting overall project completion.
Equipment & Logistics Constraints – If specialized equipment must be used in specific sequences, MTD may have limited opportunities to shift resources.
The feasibility of resource leveling would depend on how constrained MTD’s schedule is and whether non-critical activities could be adjusted. If there’s some flexibility, leveling could prevent resource overloading and improve efficiency.
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.
MTD had to use resource smoothing because the aim was to generate water, but the source they relied on was contaminated hence another costlier strategy was implemented which was getting a tank filled with water. In the end, water is water as long as it is very clean.
It depends on the specific resource constraints and scheduling flexibility within MTD’s water installation for the Glasgow event. Resource levelling is typically applied when there are fluctuations in resource demand, ensuring that workload is distributed more evenly over time without exceeding available resources.
If MTD is facing peaks and troughs in labor or equipment usage such as high demand during setup and less during maintenance resource levelling could help balance these demands. However, in event-based industries where strict deadlines exist, there may be limited flexibility to shift tasks.
A viable approach might be adjusting shift patterns, reallocating workers across different installation phases, or optimizing the sequencing of activities to reduce bottlenecks. That said, if critical tasks are on a tight schedule, there may be little room for levelling without impacting the overall event timeline.
Difference Between Resource Smoothing and Resource Leveling
Resource Smoothing and Resource Leveling are both techniques used in project management to optimize resource allocation. However, they serve different purposes and are applied under different conditions.
1. Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a technique for resolving resource over-allocation by adjusting the project schedule. It ensures that resource demand does not exceed resource availability.
Key Characteristics:
Adjusts task start and end dates to prevent overloading resources.
May extend the project duration if necessary.
Prioritizes resource constraints over time constraints.
Used when limited resources (e.g., a fixed number of workers or equipment) exist.
2. Resource Smoothing
Resource smoothing is used when resource demand fluctuates, but the project must be completed within a fixed timeframe. The goal is to adjust resource allocation without changing the overall project duration.
Key Characteristics:
Focuses on optimizing resource utilization without affecting deadlines.
Adjusts non-critical tasks within their float/slack time.
Ensures consistent resource usage to prevent overloading or underutilization.
Used when time constraints are more important than resource constraints.