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
For MTD dates, it’s concerning delivering valves (water distribution for consumers) as early as possible. So if no enough floats on the schedule then smoothing will be the best option. But if there are enough floats on the schedule then levelling is best so as to maintain duration amd cost.
I would love to submit that resource smoothinh is a good tool for on time project delivery most especially when the selection of teams to run the various project sectors was well sought of. Though it might someone compromise the quality due to a lot of pressure in fear of the hardship of mobilising new resources to continue the project
For the sake of quality results I would rather work with resource leveling which will somewhat take time but come up with quality results.
The major differences between smoothing and levelling of resources is cost implications on using smoothing. For MTD dates, it’s concerning delivering valves (water distribution for consumers) as early as possible. So if no enough floats on the schedule then smoothing will be the best option. But if there are enough floats on the schedule then levelling is best so as to maintain duration amd cost.
For MTD they may not be able to apply resource levelling on their projects because these events have somehow fixed dates.
Resource smoothing will be more applicable for MTD on their projects.
Bolaji Atoloye
A project manager in this case should consider first the scope of the project before making any decisions. How would the change affect the scope and what is critical to the project launch? If the scope of the project prioritises the deadline, then resource smoothing might be the best approach to take.
A project manager in this case should consider first the scope of the project before making any decisions. How would the change affect the scope and what is critical to the project launch? If the scope of the project prioritises the deadline, then resource levelling might be the best approach to take.
Resource smoothing is the best approach for this since the start date is already close by.
It’s a complex project, that means, it requires a broader reevaluation of the overall project scope with the project sponsors to address the challenges effectively and make informed decisions, such as having additional resources into the project in order to meet the project deadline.
Merry Okara
Cohort 8
Team 2
While resource leveling can be a useful tool to manage resources during the execution of this project, it may not be sufficient for this MTD and Glasgow project, as this would cause delay in delivery date.
Resource smoothing is the best approach for this since the start date is already close by.
It’s a complex project, that means, it requires a broader reflection and reevaluation of the overall project scope with the project sponsors to address the challenges effectively and make informed decisions about potential revisions, such as having additional resources into the project in order to meet project deadline using resource smoothing
Among the factors listed above, the following three are often considered the highest factors that may significantly affect projects in general:
Complexity of schedules: Projects with complex schedules can present challenges in terms of planning, coordination, and execution. As projects become more intricate and involve multiple interdependent tasks, the risk of delays, conflicts, and resource constraints increases.
Motivation of the project team: The motivation level of the project team members can have a substantial impact on project success. Highly motivated team members are more likely to be proactive, productive, and collaborative, leading to better project outcomes.
Thoughtless optimism: Underestimating the complexity or risks of a project due to thoughtless optimism can lead to inadequate planning and preparation. Unrealistic expectations may result in missed deadlines, cost overruns, and compromised project quality.
While other factors, such as multitasking, demand equal to resource capacity, the ‘student syndrome,’ and game-playing, can also affect projects, they might not have as pervasive and widespread impact as the three factors mentioned above. It’s important to remember that each project is unique, and the significance of these factors may vary depending on the project’s size, nature, and complexity. Effective project management involves identifying and addressing these potential challenges to mitigate their adverse effects on the project’s success.
Considering the information provided about MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, it is indeed possible to discuss the application of a resource leveling approach to the project.
Resource leveling is a project management technique used to balance the demand for resources (e.g., manpower, equipment, materials) with the available capacity. The goal is to avoid resource overloading and ensure a smoother project flow. However, it’s important to note that resource leveling primarily deals with managing resources and does not directly address potential revisions to project scope that might be required in the face of challenges.
In the case of the Glasgow event undertaken by MTD, it’s evident that the project involves a large-scale water installation project. Such projects are inherently complex, and unforeseen challenges are not uncommon. If during the project execution, MTD encounters increased costs, unexpected obstacles, or other issues that might affect the project’s overall feasibility, a simple resource leveling approach may not be sufficient to address the situation.
Resource leveling could help to some extent in managing resource allocation to balance workloads and prevent resource overloads, especially in the context of time, but it may not directly address the broader impact of potential revisions to the project scope. A thorough reevaluation of the project’s overall goals, cost, timeline, and quality might be necessary.
In a situation where revisions to the project scope are needed, MTD and the project sponsor would have to undertake a comprehensive review of the project and consider how time, cost, and quality factors combine. This review might involve revising the project’s objectives, identifying alternatives to address increased costs, considering alternative technologies or materials, and assessing the impact on stakeholders.
The consequences of such revisions could be significant for both MTD and the stakeholders involved in the project. Stakeholders may have to adapt to changes in the project’s deliverables, timeline, or budget, which might affect their expectations and interests. In some cases, revisions to the project scope might lead to the loss of further follow-on work if stakeholders are dissatisfied with the changes.
In summary, while resource leveling can be a useful tool to manage resources during the execution of a project, it may not be sufficient to address the higher-level impacts that come with revising the project scope. For complex projects like large infrastructure endeavors, a broader reflection and reevaluation of the overall project become necessary to address challenges effectively and make informed decisions about potential revisions.