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
As a project manager the best option for MTD is Resource smoothing in other to complete the project before the deadline though this may cost them more yet is far better than resource levelling because end users are waiting at the time scheduled
The best option on the said project is Resource Smoothing.
This would bring about additional overhead cost but the project would be achieved by the initial completion date
As a project manager the resource smoothing is the best option even though it will cost more but the project will still maintain its deadline.
Resources smoothing is aim to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
While resource levelling does not alter the existing resource capacity but instead emphasises rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
Reply
When examining the provided figure, MTD, should use the Resource smoothing. Though the company will incur additional cost but will still meet up with project deadline without altering the project quality.
Resources Leveling is sure option for the MTD water company rather than resource smoothing as you may run out of what you have.
Resource leveling gives more time to ensure a perfect project.
Resource levelling focuses on rescheduling with a possible impact on project deadlines which is a batter option for MTD
Resources smoothing is aim to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
While resource levelling does not alter the existing resource capacity but instead emphasises rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
Resources smoothing is aim to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
For the MTD, resources smoothing is a good choice regarding the nature of the company’s service.
Resource smoothing is a better option for the MTD scenario. This will help fo balance the workload and still focus on delivering time of project
In summary Resource Levelling has to do with optimizing limited resources
While Resource Soothing has to do with Meeting up with project schedule
In this scenerio with MTD project Resource Smoothing is the Best.