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 the fact that MTD mostly works with events and these are dead-line based, it will not be possible to use resource levelling as they will need to hold clients end date. They will need to increase resources to meet deadline
A resource levelling approach will not be advised on a company like the MTD, as project timelines need to be met in order to ensure credibility with clients. Hence, resources have to increase resource allocation so that time lines will be met
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Resource levelling will greatly impact the deadline of the MTD project, and as a company whose reputation is very important, satisfying the client by being on time is a top priority
Considering the fact that MTD mostly works with events and these are dead-line based, it will not be possible to use resource levelling as they will need to hold clients end date. They will need to increase resources to meet deadline
Considering the MTD water installation events company, implementing a resource levelling approach is not advisable because it may have an impact on the project deadline, and the aimed event has a programmed date to go live. MTD cannot afford to disappoint her clients and disrupt the event.
Temilade.