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 management technique that can help teams better accommodate resource constraints and predict project timelines, whereas resource leveling is a technique used to optimize resources to deliver a project without changing the delivery date.
As a project manager, I will recommend resource smoothing to maintain deadline which is what the MTD projects needs.
Resource levelling does not change current capacity of the project but focuses on project deadlines rescheduling which is something MTD cannot afford as time is a critical resource , so the use of resource smoothing is the best approach for MTD
Resource smoothing is the greatest choice for the MTD project because there is a deadline, but it will cost more. but will work well and complete the project in time for the community to utilise it.
The only thing that has altered is the pricing, which will still be maintained along with the deadline and quality of the project. They will also meet the delivery date.
Resource leveling is an approach used to balance and optimize resource utilization throughout a project’s duration. It aims to smooth out resource demand to prevent overallocation or underutilization of resources. This approach involves adjusting task schedules, durations, or resource assignments to achieve a more even distribution of workload.
To determine if resource leveling is possible for MTD’s water installation event in Glasgow, several factors need to be considered:
1. Resource Availability: Assess the availability and capacity of the resources required for the project. If the necessary resources, such as equipment, skilled personnel, and materials, are limited or in high demand, resource leveling may be challenging.
2. Task Dependencies: Examine the dependencies among project tasks. If there are strict dependencies or critical path activities that require specific resources, it may limit the flexibility for resource leveling. Adjusting the schedule or duration of such tasks could impact the overall project timeline.
3. Project Constraints: Consider any constraints or limitations that may affect resource leveling. These can include contractual obligations, fixed deadlines, budgetary constraints, or external factors beyond the project manager’s control. These constraints may influence the ability to adjust resource allocation or task scheduling.
4. Project Objectives: Evaluate the project objectives and priorities. Resource leveling aims to balance resource usage, but it should not compromise the project’s quality, scope, or desired outcomes. It’s important to ensure that resource leveling efforts align with the project’s overall goals.
Based on these considerations, the feasibility of applying a resource leveling approach to the MTD water installation event in Glasgow can be determined. It would require a detailed analysis of the specific project requirements, resource availability, dependencies, and constraints.
It’s worth noting that resource leveling may not always be feasible or practical in every project. In some cases, resource overallocation or uneven resource usage may be necessary due to project requirements or external factors. The project manager needs to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of resource leveling and make informed decisions based on the unique circumstances of the project.
As a project manager, I will recommend resource smoothing to maintain deadline and project quality although it will incur more cost
Given the tight timeframe for the MTD project, resource smoothing is the greatest choice, though it is also the most expensive. However, will be efficient and complete the project in time for the community to access it.
The only thing that has changed is the cost, which will be increased, but they will still meet the date for completing the project and keep the project’s quality.
No. Instead, resource smoothing can be opted for.
smoothing is the best option on the MTD project Resource they will maintain their deadline to deliver the project and still maintain the quality of the project, which increase in cost is the only thing that changed and they will meet up with the time to deliver the project.
Y
In order to complete the project timely, adapting the resources smoothing is the best and most viable option for the MTD project. However, the anticipated increase in cost and time management might end up being an added advantage. It is always good to bear in mind that that excellence is the key word for every project.
smoothing is the best option on the MTD project Resource they will maintain their deadline to deliver the project and still maintain the quality of the project, which increase in cost is the only thing that changed and they will meet up with the time to deliver the project.
Resource smoothing is the best option for MTD project since deadlines need to be preserved. Though cost will increase. Time limited resource levelling may also be an option where it involves non critical activities
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.
they will still maintain the deadline to deliver the project and still maintain the quality of the project, which increase in cost is the only thing that changed and they will meet up with the time to deliver the project.