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
For MTD projects, applying a pure resource leveling approach would be very difficult and, in many cases, not realistic. MTD typically works on event-based projects with fixed dates (sporting events, concerts, exhibitions). The start and end dates are usually non-negotiable because they are tied to public schedules, contracts, and regulatory approvals. Resource levelling, as defined, may involve delaying even critical activities or extending their durations to match available capacity. For MTD, doing this could mean missing installation deadlines or being unready when the event begins, which is usually unacceptable. However, resource levelling could be applied in a limited way during the early planning and non-critical phases of the project. For example, design, planning, logistics preparation, and documentation activities might be shifted within their available float to balance the workload of engineers and planners. Splitting activities or delaying non-critical tasks could also help avoid burnout and over-allocation. For critical path activities such as on-site installation, testing, commissioning, and regulatory inspection, resource levelling would be very constrained because the event date is fixed. In these cases, MTD would more likely rely on resource smoothing (adding crews, working in shifts, or using overtime) rather than extending the schedule.
Resource levelling approach won’t be feasible in this case, considering that the projects has fixed deadlines and rescheduling activities will jeopardize alot of things
It won’t be advised to use resource leveling as a fixed deadline has already been fixed , so it can’t be rescheduled .
No. Resource leveling is not feasible because the Glasgow event has fixed deadlines, and rescheduling activities could delay delivery and jeopardize the event.
No, the resource leveling method will not be the best approach.
Resource smoothing aims to maintain planned deadlines while potentially increasing project costs. In contrast, resource leveling focuses on aligning resources with current capacity, which may lead to rescheduling and could impact project deadlines.
Both the MTD Water Installation and Glasgow event should prioritize their commitments to their sponsors and stakeholders. To avoid disappointing these parties and to protect their reputations, it would be prudent for both projects to initiate a dialogue. This discussion can help address any concerns without harming stakeholder relationships.
Resource smoothing is a strategy that seeks to adhere to established project timelines, albeit at the potential expense of increased costs. In contrast, resource leveling focuses on optimizing resource allocation according to current capacity constraints, which may necessitate project rescheduling and could have repercussions on delivery timelines.
For both the MTD Water Installation and the Glasgow event, it is crucial to uphold commitments to sponsors and stakeholders. To mitigate the risk of disappointing these parties and to safeguard reputations, it would be advisable for both projects to engage in proactive discussions. This dialogue can effectively address any concerns while preserving stakeholder relationships.
The resource levelling method will not be the best method to use in this case, as it won’t be feasible to implement.
Resource leveling method will not be the best method to use in this case
No, it won’t be feasible to implement a resource leveling approach in this scenario due to the rigid planned end date.
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