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 smoothing is used when the time constraint takes priority. The objective is to complete the work by the required date while avoiding peaks and troughs of resource demand. whereas Resource levelling is used when limits on the availability of resources are paramount.
Yes it is possible if they implement resources levelling approach to balance workload and productivity.
Applying the resources levelling is possible and okay as it does not alter the resources capacity, rather it create room for time rescheduling, which affects the project delivery deadline. Importantly, it does not increase in cost.
Applying the resources levelling is feasible and okay in this project since it will not alter the resources capacity, it will only create room for rescheduling of time frame which may affect the deadline to deliver the project but no increase in cost may also be avoided via resources levelling
Resource smoothing aims to maintain original product deadline while increasing cost of project.
Resource levelling does not change the alternative capability but can emphasize rescheduling.
The both can be judiciously applied to the MTD project if maybe the charge requires resource allocation which can be critical to the success of the project.
Funmilayo Adelabi Osabinu
Team 9
Cohort 7
Implementing resource leveling is not feasible, particularly for MTD pure water supplies. The project would result in delays and increased costs, as acknowledged by the project manager in one of the videos. To meet the immediate water requirements and ensure clean, uncontaminated water for the upcoming event just three days away, the project team had to resort to using water tankers and buffer bags. This approach, known as project smoothing, required additional expenses but allowed them to deliver water on time despite the contamination of the initial planned water delivery source or pipe, with the event organizers covering the extra costs.
When it comes to the MTD water project, it is crucial to adopt a resource leveling strategy to achieve the desired objectives.
By employing the delay non-critical tasks approach in resource leveling, the project can maintain its progress within the available float period without affecting the critical path. This approach aims to balance the demand on resources while considering their potential and capacity.
Additionally, any extension of non-critical activity times should remain within the allowed float duration.
This approach is indeed viable as it ensures a stable workload without altering the existing resource capacity. Instead, it focuses on rescheduling, which may impact project deadlines. Whatever the cost required to complete the project, it will be made feasible. If additional workforce is needed to expedite a process, it will be arranged accordingly.
Applying resource leveling is okay here since it only affects time not cost
Resource smoothing is ideal for MTD, water is very critical and crucial to our existence and to not have it when required will be disappointing and may create unnecessary panic. While glass glow i can apply resource leveling to prevent extra cost which the investors may not be will be sponsor.
It will be possible to apply the resource levelling approach, if the scheduling does not affect critical events.
Resource levelling would not work, especially for MTD pure water supplies, the project would deliver outside schedule and with more costs,as mentioned by the project manager in one of the videos, they they had to use water tankers and bufferbag to deliver required water to places that are needed and at the same time make provisions of clean unconterminated water for the event which was just three days away using project smoothing.
This was necessitated because the initial planned water delivery source or pipe was conterminated, and they delivered within schedule though at an extra cost that was paid for by the event organizers.
Thank you.
It is imperative when it comes to the MTD water project, adopting the resource leveling strategy is vital for such purpose.
Application of delay non-critical tasks approach of resources levelling, which won’t have an impact on the project as long as it is finished within the period of available float, will balance the demand on their resource in order to line with their available potential and capacity.
Also alternately extend non-critical activity times should be within the float required time.
Yes it’s very possible as the approach will make the workload stable and resource leveling does not alter the existing resource capacity but instead emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines.
whatever it would cost to deliver that project it would be made possible. If it needs more workforce to fast track a process, it would be perfected.
Resource smoothing aims to maintain original product deadline while increaseing project cost,,
while resource leveling does not alter alternative capability but can emphasis rescheduleing.
The both can be applied to the MTD project if maybe the charge requires resource allocation which can be critical on the project .
NNEOMA
Group 3