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 smoothing would work better for MTD Glasgow.It would ensure the set targets are met without necessarily changing the deadline.
OMAH EUCHARIA CHINENYE
Looking at MTD water installation event and Glasgow projects, resource levelling is not the best approach for them considering the fact that events do have fixed date and delay in any aspect of the arrangement will ruin the event day and this will be bad for their reputations. Resource smoothing is the best though it might cost them extra due to addition of new resources or working overtime but the deadline will be met.
In the case of MTD and the Glasgow event, resource levelling could be applied, but it would come with risks and here is why;
Resource levelling means rescheduling activities thereby having effect on deadlines and for an event company like MTD, this could be difficult because deadlines are usually fixed and can’t be moved easily. Also, remember that, events are time-bound, and delays in one area can quickly create bigger risks.
For this reason, MTD may need to consider Resource smoothing more than resource leveling. But note that both can be considered if the project is managed by an experienced project manager.
Yes, it is possible to apply a resource leveling approach in project management, but it depends on the project’s constraints and priorities.
Resource leveling is a technique used to resolve conflicts caused by over-allocating resources, for example when one person or equipment is scheduled for too many tasks at the same time. The main goal is to adjust the project schedule so that resources are used more efficiently and realistically.
When resource leveling can be applied:
When team members or equipment are stretched too thin.
When the project schedule does not match available capacity.
When two critical tasks require the same resource at the same time.
How it works:
Tasks may be delayed or rescheduled within their available float (slack).
Project duration might be extended if no float exists.
Resources are assigned more evenly, avoiding burnout or bottlenecks.
Trade-off:
The project might take longer, but the quality of work and sustainability of resources improve.
In conclusion, it is possible to apply resource leveling, but the decision depends on whether the project allows flexibility in time or scope to balance resource usage.
Resource smoothing would work better for MTD Glasgow.It would ensure the set targets are met without necessarily changing the deadline.
For the Glasgow event and MTD ,resource levelling is not a good option because it means changing the schedule and possibly delaying the project.
Since the event date is fixed and very important, delaying tasks would cause problems and risk missing the deadline.
Instead, MTD and glasgow should consider other way like resource smoothing to keep the project on track without extending the timeline.
In the case of MTD and the Glasgow event, I think a resource levelling approach could be applied, but it would come with some risks. Resource levelling is about balancing the workload with the resources available, which might mean rescheduling activities and possibly extending deadlines. For an event company like MTD, this could be difficult because deadlines are usually fixed and cannot be moved easily.
However, if certain tasks can be shifted without affecting the final event date, resource levelling may help reduce overload on team members. For example, preparing materials, booking suppliers, or some parts of logistics could be adjusted earlier or later, as long as the critical activities tied to the event date remain unchanged.
The challenge is that events are time-bound, and delays in one area can quickly create bigger risks. For this reason, MTD may need to combine resource smoothing and levelling carefully, smoothing to keep deadlines stable, and levelling where flexibility is possible.
Overall, resource levelling could help reduce stress on staff and avoid burnout, but it must be applied very carefully so the event deadline is still met. In some cases, it might also require discussions with the client about adjusting the scope to fit available capacity.
Yes, it is theoretically feasible to implement a resource leveling approach in the Glasgow scenario but only if:
The project deadline is somewhat flexible, or
There is sufficient float/slack in non-critical activities to shift work around.
If the event date is fixed and immovable, then resource smoothing (not full leveling) would be the more realistic approach, because leveling could cause delays that make MTD miss the event.
I don’t think resource levelling is good for the MTD project with the understanding that these events are Time sensitive, I’d think resource smoothing would be better as I doesn’t affect timing, ensuring project is somehow still on schedule of course at the expense of extra resources.
Relating Resource smoothing and Resource levelling to the MTD and Glasgow projects, Resource levelling is not a good option, though it may save cost but capable of ruining their reputation since they cover events and events usually have a fixed date.