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
Based on my own perspective, the best option to adopt MTD water is resources smoothing which aims at maintaining the original project schedule & workbook, maintaining the initial deadlines set in achieving the project which is in agreement with different stakeholders at inception; while the project costs slightly increases. The cost implications here might be a sacrifice to give in order to get more referrals and businesses once they believe you render the best to them. The approach here (resources smoothing) place priority on timing and meeting up with deadline or timeline without compromising quality standard.
As for me i will prefer the resource smoothing for the MTD water project, due to my goal in delivering the project at all cost.
Resource levelling approach would only work if the games was postponed to a further date, thereby giving more room for MTD to do the needful but if the games were to hold without any postponement, Resource smoothing is the best approach to meet up but at a cost for both the sponsor or client and the project manager…..
Thank u
MTD is a contractor not a client, hence speedy completion of the project at any cost would be their goal. Thus resources smoothing would be ideal for them to meet deadline and get the project delivered.
Resource smoothing will an ideal approach to be employed on the MTD water project especially as it requires deadline. This is due to the fact that all available resources that could aid the timely completion of the project will be employed though it can’t be said to be cost effective as overallocation could be experienced on like the resources leveling that requires rescheduling of need be though without altering the original deadline but minimum cost and pressure
Considering the MTD water project, I is important to take into consideration the timeline of the project. I will suggest that the result-smoothing or time limited schedule method should be used. Engagement of more expertise might be considered, while the budget is adjusted and the final cost of the water supply can be increased in order to accommodate the budget.
Considering that MTD operates in the events and events management space, resource smoothing is the best option for them. This is because, the events they cater for are already scheduled with defined timelines. On the other hand, they may be able to adopt resource levelling if they work-out ample buffers before the commencement of the events, especially if they are privy to the schedules.
Okwulu Paul
Cohort 8 Team 3
Considering the MTD Project, I will recommend the Resource smoothing because there will be no impact on the deadline and the quality will be attained but at a higher cost.
Looking at MTD as an organization with limited time to deliver a quality project or job, resource smoothing will be more advisable since deadline is a key factor.The cost of the project can be increased in order to meet up with the stipulated time.
The MTD projects are time sensitive and so, it’d be more advisable to go for a resource smoothing approach instead of a resource levelling approach. This will ensure that the planned time for the project is retained while project costs might increase… The pros definitely seem to outweigh the cons.