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
Well,any method could be used but for this particular situation,I think a resource levelling approach is the best way to go.
With a fixed deadline,though it would cost more,I suggest a resource smoothing approach
Overall and like many project management problems, it’s not a black and white matter. The event has a fixed deadline and therefore a strict scheduling factor. But resource levelling technically doesn’t always have to lead to extended end dates.
If the resources for non critical path tasks can be levelled within float, and those for the critical path tasks are either untouched or adjusted with very minimal impact to the end date, then the resource levelling technique can work.
Because the project carried out in MTD is fixed, the resource leveling cannot be implemented, this is because the project has a deadline.
Yes, a resource leveling approach could work for MTD and the Glasgow event, helping to use staff, equipment, and materials more efficiently. It could reduce over-allocation and prevent delays, keeping the project closer to schedule. Some task sequences or timelines might need adjusting, but this can be managed with careful planning. Overall, it balances time, cost, and quality without major disruptions.
Resource leveling could technically be applied, it is not feasible in practice for MTD’s Glasgow event because the project deadline is fixed and critical. Instead, a smoothing approach better aligns with the project’s time constraints and stakeholder expectations.
Resource leveling could potentially benefit MTD in managing their water installation events in Glasgow by improving resource utilization, optimizing costs, and ensuring the successful of the event.
For a water installation events company like MTD, resource levelling (project rescheduling and deadline adjustments) is possible especially when unforeseen circumstances like natural mishap, political instability etc. occurs while the project is in progress. However, due consultation with the sponsor(s) and other relevant stakeholders is key.
For an MTD project that is time constrained resource levelling is not optimal for them