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
I believe the resource smoothing is the best technique as a project manager as in the case of MTD
In the case of MTD, Resource Smoothing will be the best technique to use.
As a project manager the resource smoothing is the best option.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
Hi, from Comfort k. Hussaini
Resource leveling is a project management technique used to adjust the schedule of activities to balance resource demand with resource availability. In the context of event planning, it aims to avoid overloading resources and prevent bottlenecks.
To determine if a resource leveling approach is possible for MTD’s events in Glasgow, several factors need to be considered:
Resource Availability: Assess the availability of resources like labor, equipment, and materials. If resources are limited and cannot be easily adjusted, resource leveling might be challenging.
Event Requirements: Analyze the specific requirements of each event. Some events might require more resources than others, making leveling difficult.
Flexibility: Evaluate the degree of flexibility in the event schedule. If certain activities can be rescheduled without affecting the overall event outcome, resource leveling becomes more feasible.
Cost and Time Constraints: Consider the budget and time constraints this may limit the ability to level resources without increasing costs significantly or extending the project timeline.
Prioritization: Determine if certain events take precedence over others. It might be necessary to prioritize critical events and allocate resources accordingly.
In conclusion, applying a resource leveling approach to MTD’s water installation events company in Glasgow is possible if there is sufficient flexibility in the schedule, resources can be adjusted, and the events can be rescheduled without compromising their success. However, a detailed analysis of the specific circumstances would be needed to make a definitive assessment.
Resource smoothing remains the best option for me as a PM. There is a high tendency that resource leveling will negatively impact the project considering the urgency of the work.
It minimizes fluctuation in resource demand including peak demands. It lets you amend the project schedule without changing the critical path. It ensures the timely completion of a project. It protects resources against spontaneous changes during project implementation.
While in RL.
it addresses inefficient resource allocation, optimizing the utilization of available resources. By leveling the workload, it ensures a balanced distribution of tasks, preventing overloading or underutilization of resources. Secondly, resource leveling improves project visibility and control by highlighting resource constraints and their impact on the project schedule. This enables better decision-making and resource management throughout the project. Lastly, resource leveling minimizes conflicts and bottlenecks, fostering collaboration and smoother project execution. Overall, resource leveling enhances project efficiency, productivity, and the likelihood of successful project completion.
Thanks.
A resource smoothing will be better because adjustment made will be better to achieve an even more better result.
As a project manager, ensuring timely project completion requires adapting resources and implementing smoothing techniques. Resource leveling balances and optimizes resource utilization, preventing overallocation or underutilization.
The optimal strategy depends on the project deadline and resource availability, ensuring cost control and a more even workload distribution.
Thank you.
As a project manager, I will recommend the resource smoothing approach because I have to put quality, time and cost into consideration so as to meet up with the deadline of the project. Though resource smoothing will require more cost but informing my clients that
I won’t admit any amount of redundancy in the course of the project will offer them peace of mind. Resource smoothing will enable me maintain deadlines when I know the right kind of quality for the project 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 not feasible for MTD to implement.
As a P.M, my main objective is to ensure the timely completion of the project and in order to achieve this goal, I believe adapting resources and implementing the Smoothing techniques is the most effective and practical approach. While this strategy may result in an anticipated increase in cost and require careful time management, it can ultimately prove to be advantageous for the project as a whole.
It is crucial to keep in mind that striving to excellence should always be the guiding principle in P.M. By making informed decisions and prioritizing the overall quality of the project, we can ensure its successful completion while maintaining the highest standard
For a project that has a timeline attached to it, especially one that is an event, resource levelling may not be the best option as it will affect its deadline to deliver the outcome.
As a Project Manager whose aim is to complete the project timely, adapting the resources smoothing is the best and most viable option. 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 excellence is the key word for every project.