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
In my opinion i think resource Smoothing will be the best
It would be feasible to implement a resource leveling approach in this scenario standard in other for them to maintain their standard
The core values of MTD is timely delivery and that has really made them standout overtime. For them to have compromised this standard will cost them lot considering the organizational enigma, adopting resources smoothing will be best as it would enable them to reserve and preserves their corporate standard.
For MTD water project,
Resources smoothing would be the best option as they have to maintain their current deadline, although it will add operational costs to the company.
On the MTD project
Resource smoothing is the best option since there is a deadline, although this will incure more cost. But will be effective and get the project ready in time for the community to have access.
Resource levelling depends on matters of time and capacity of resources, also significantly in the client. Whatever approach you use depends on the client. With MTD it depends on the client to know which approach to use. Which one should be sacrificed time or cost.
Absolutely.
Even though resource smoothing would incur more cost, it is the best option for MTD as the projects they’re are working are already preplanned even before the project was allocated to them, so they must have to meet the deadlines which would not be possible with resource levelling.
Since the MTD has a deadline to complete the project, I think resource smoothening will be a better option because it aims to maintain the original deadline of the project.
To me, I consider the MTD water project and the fact that the company was contracted for an already planned event with time frame, so opting for resource levelling will affect the time given for the project i.e the deadline because the activities of the project/resources need to be rescheduled or extended. Remember, the event can not be rescheduled because the project wasn’t delivered due to arising issues but if more resources and funds can be employed, the deadline can be met.
Resource smoothing, therefore, is the best option in this case (since a deadline has to be met and an event done).
For the project to be complete on time, resources smoothing it usually the best option for the MTD project. The increase in cost and time management is can end up to be an added advantage to it. Remember, excellence is required in every project.
MTD water needs to maintain deadlines so therefore Resource smoothing is best however it increases cost and that might be a problem for the client