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
Cohort 7
With MTD, the water installation events company and the Glasgow event its possible to apply resource levelling approach considering Resource smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs; resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadlines
Based on the MTD scenario’s smoothing is the best approach cos it will sustain the deadlin may
increase cost that may be incurred during the project but the quality of project still maintained but will deliver project at the expected time with good Quality Output.
Joy Onyenakuchi
Resource smoothing is a better option for the MTD water Project because its timing will be affected, and quality will also not be affected. The only problem is that costs will increase. This cost factor can be managed compared to a poor water quality .
Considering the already planned event with a static deadline, Resource Levelling approach would not work for MTD. The best option available is Resource Smoothing, despite its attendant increase in project cost.
Looking at the MTD water project, the resource levelling will extend the project duration, which is not feasible as the event has a fixed date already.
The resource smoothing would be the best, though it might cost the client more money. However, the budgeted deadline would still remain the same and quality, too.
Looking at the MTD water project, resource levelling will extend the project duration, which is not feasible as the event has a fixed date already for the event,
Resource smoothing will be the best option for the project because they will still maintain the deadline to deliver the project and still maintain the quality of the project.
Since the project as a time frame, I think Resource Smoothing is the best to be applied
Resource smoothing focuses on maintaining original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
While resource leveling does not change the existing resource capacity instead it emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
Resource Smoothing may be a better choice for MTD as they have to meet up with the client’s needs or expectation.
If the date of the event can be moved, resource leveling can be adopted.
Looking at the MTD water project, resource levelling will extend the project duration, which is not feasible as the event has a fixed date already
Therefore, resource smoothing would be the best, though it might cost the client more money. However, the budgeted deadline would still remain the same and quality, too, will he ensure.
As regards MTD, resource levelling won’t be the best choice for them. This is because, the event already has a specific time to run, and in the event the water supplier is running out the best option would be to get a tanker as a substitute(resource smoothing), even though it might cost more but the end date of the event won’t need to be postponed.
Think about a conflict you have either been aware of or involved in. Can you identify its sources according to the categories in the table? Share your thoughts in the discussion section.
A conflict between the project manager and the project architect.
Project architect insist on a change of design to a particular area of the building, after considering the time and cost, project manager objected to it.
The conflict was resolved by the client during a technical meting