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
Resource leveling can be beneficial in a water installation event company. Here’s how:
*Benefits:*
1. *Optimized resource utilization*: Efficient use of equipment and personnel.
2. *Reduced waste*: Minimized idle time and resource conflicts.
3. *Improved scheduling*: Better planning and coordination.
4. *Enhanced productivity*: Streamlined workflows.
*Feasibility:*
1. *Event scheduling*: Resource leveling can help manage equipment and personnel for multiple events.
2. *Equipment allocation*: Ensure optimal use of water installation equipment.
3. *Personnel management*: Balance workload and avoid over/underutilization.
To implement resource leveling effectively, consider:
1. *Resource planning tools*: Utilize software for scheduling and resource allocation.
2. *Flexibility*: Allow for adjustments in response to changing event requirements.
3. *Communication*: Ensure clear communication among team members and stakeholders.
In conclusion,
By implementing resource leveling, the water installation event company can improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
resource levelling could help MTD avoid overloading staff, especially during busy events like Glasgow. But since event dates are fixed, it might not always work without causing delays. It’s better used in planning or on flexible tasks.
Resource leveling will be preferably used since it will only affect the deadline but will reduce excessive pressure or working overtime by the team members, it will also produce effective result
Resource leveling affects the end date of the project, but it’s cost effective. It can work in this case because the cost and budget is most likely fixed. But for event dates which can’t be changed we might have to add the delays in between the project to achieve results.
Yes, I think it would be feasible to apply resource leveling to the project of MTD, the water installation events company.
The stategy I feel would be feasible for such is the splitting of activity into non sequential pieces. That is , focusing on some activities for a period of time. If there is need to rescale,we do. And repeat the process till the job is done.
Resource levelling might work out in the MTD water installation event company since it focuses on balancing the workload on resources in other to align resource usage with their available capacity.
Adebayo Funke Blessing
22 june,2025 @ 1:09pm
Team 1
Resource leveling might work out in the MTD water inetallaton event company,since it focuses on the balancing the workload on resources in other to align resources usage with their available capacity. That is,focusing on some activities for some period of time.
Resource smoothing and resource leveling are two key techniques used in project management to handle resource allocation challenges.
Resource Smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines by adjusting project schedules, which may increase project costs. It aims to minimize fluctuations in resource usage without altering the project’s completion date.
Resource Leveling, on the other hand, does not change the current capacity but focuses on rescheduling tasks to balance resource demand. This approach may impact project deadlines as it prioritizes the even distribution of resources over time.
At a higher level, some projects may undergo a revision of project scope by the sponsor, reflecting broader considerations of time, cost, and quality. This is often seen in large infrastructure projects, such as railways, where increased costs can lead to significant changes from the original plans.
Considering the MTD water installation events company and the Glasgow event discussed in the course, applying a resource leveling approach could be feasible. By rescheduling tasks and ensuring resources are used efficiently, the project can maintain a balanced workload, potentially avoiding resource overload and ensuring smoother project execution.
I believe a resource smoothing approach will be better as it would prevent having to deal with increased cost of materials resulting from rescheduling. Ensuring that the initial end date is upheld would reduce cost.
The resource leveling approach may perhaps work out in terms of installation of water. Here we talking about working with what we have and using available resources without having to increase costs and may perhaps consider a better alternative.
Resources smoothing though attracts extra costs is better as it will focus on preserving the projects planned deadlines.