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 leveling won’t be feasible but rather resource smoothing will be needed because the original deadline will be met but there will be an increase in the cost of production
Resource leveling might not be feasible in MTD project because the Glagslow event is time based, the start date for the event has been fixed and cannot be compromised. The deadline is not flexible and hence the activity cannnot be rescheduled.
I believe things will work out well at MTD Water Project if it picks up Resource Levelling at this critical moment of a scarcity of needed resources for the project.
Resource levelling won’t be ideal for such projects but rather Resource Smoothing.
Resource smoothing is ideal for such projects
For the MTD project, resource levelling isn’t such a great idea, because it involves not meeting up with deadlines. But in a situation where this can’t be avoided, I believe a proper discussion/meeting be held with stakeholders to explain reasons why deadlines have to change so as to carry everyone along
I think the best strategy for MTD to apply in this situation is Resource smoothing since this strategy focuses on preserving planned deadlines although their project costs will increase.
This because the sporting event for which their projects is based is a fixed event with date already fixed. Too many people are involved and participating in the event: athletes and their supporting staff, media, spectators, vendors etc, all probably coming to the event from different locations. So in this case using the strategy of resource levelling would not work as this strategy would require changing the project deadlines and rescheduling, and the project owner would not permit this as MTD is just one of the service provider that has been hired to provide a product (water) for their event.
approach to the Glasgow event
for MTD may adopt the Resource levelling approach though its has it implication which the shifting of deadlines and operating within the operation budget except if the sponsors are head bent on meeting deadlines and are willing to foot the prevention cost in agreement with the project team
Looking at the MTD’s project, project smoothing is the best approach because it will sustain the deadline there may be increase in the cost of the project due to extension but the quality of the project will still be maintained and the project will be delivered at the expected time.
Based on the MTD’s project, project smoothing is the best approach because it will sustain the deadline although it may increase the cost of the project due to extension but the quality of the project will still be maintained and the project will be delivered at the expected time.
Implementing resource leveling would be the ideal solution for MTD water company. This approach ensures that all tasks are performed efficiently and within designated timeframes. Moreover. It is important to note that resource leveling does not impact the overall capacity of the project. Whether there is an assigned resource or additional resources are added.
Resource leveling won’t be feasible but rather resource smoothing will be needed because the original deadline will be met but there will be an increase in the cost of production
Resources Leveling will be the best option for the MTD water company in the sense that all works are done effectively and does not pertain to the planned deadlines and resource leveling does not change capacity even if there is an assigned resource or addition of resources to the project.
To achieve quality in the MTD project, resource smoothing would be the best option.
On the MTD water project, resource leveling would be the best option for the project as it will ensure a stable workload and ensure that resource are evenly allocated throughout the project which will enhance morale, reduce the risks of stress and cost increments.
But in a situation where the clients need this infrastructures available at a
Particular Deadline then resource smoothing would be the right approach to take as it will preserve the planned project duration and deadlines but with the risk of increased costs and possible burnouts.
By OkunroboJ