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
Looking at the MTD water project and the Glasgow event. I will recommend using the Resource Smoothing approach which will maintain the date line of the project and increasing the cost so as to deliver the project on time.
Resource leveling will really not be good as it will cause delay in the project.
In regards to the MTD water and the Glasgow projects,it was very imperative to maintain the resource smoothing approach so as to be able to meet up with the deadline, since it’s tied to a program with a defined definite date. This no doubt has its own disadvantage, in this case a higher cost for the project, than what was originally proposed. Whatever approach the PM wants to take my be suited to the availability of the project as proposed, which maybe be fraught with challenges. The best option therefore is proper planning, putting into consideration unforseen circumstances
As regards the Glasgow event, I will recommend Resource smoothing. Such an event deadline cannot be shifted unless there is a predictable natural disaster like an earthquake. With all things being equal, postponing the deadline with affect MTD’s reputation and also, and the sponsor may insure a lot of loss due to litigation etc. As a project manager, it’s best to add more manpower to meet the deadline and discuss the additional cost with the project sponsor than to shift the deadline and maintain the work schedule. Therefore, the most appropriate option here is Resource Smoothing.
I will recommend and adopt resource smoothing as the best option to use in the case study shared (MTD water project).
Efficiently managing multiple projects necessitates implementing various strategies, such as effective time management, precise task organization, clear communication, proper delegation, and adaptability. This approach offers several advantages, including heightened productivity, the cultivation of diverse skill sets, optimal utilization of resources, improved collaborative efforts, and elevated rates of project success.
Potential factors that may affect the project:
The ‘student syndrome’: Procrastination and last-minute work can lead to delays and rushed outcomes.
Multitasking to reduce idle time: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously may cause inefficiencies and delays due to divided attention.
Complex schedules: Numerous interdependencies and dependencies in the project plan can increase the risk of longer project durations and potential delays.
MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event may consider adopting a resource leveling approach to address resource overload. This could involve rescheduling tasks and making potential adjustments to timelines, enabling them to effectively manage resources without compromising the project outcomes.
Resource levelling is a technique used to adjust project schedules to deal with limited resources. Based on the figure above, it seems that resource levelling could be applied to the MTD project to ensure that available resources are used most efficiently. By identifying the critical path and shifting non-critical tasks, the company may be able to avoid overloading certain resources and ensure that they are maximized throughout the project. However, as each project is different, it is necessary to have detailed information about the project plan and resource availability to determine the feasibility of applying resource levelling effectively.
For the MTD water installation company and the glass glow company, resources levelling will be feasible.
The scope of a project does not only revolve around time,but cost and quality..
Resource levelling is feasible because it works with float. Some of the strategies may affect duration and cost,but not as the smoothing, as it is concerned with rescheduling and not deviation from plan and requirements of stakeholders and customers.
Resources smoothing is more demanding as it involves additional resources or substitution of resource that may require training, review,time, re-evaluation,stress and overtime.
As a potential project manager,I think both resource smoothing and resource levelling can fit in depending on the agreement of the stakeholders involved.Although integrity is very important but quality of projects delivered supercedes deadlines.
As a project manager resource smoothing is the best option for the project, because deadline will be meet the only change here is the cost which will increase and maintain the quality of the project.