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 would advise that MTD take on a resource smoothing approach instead of a resource levelling approach. This will ensure that the planned deadline for the project is attained although the project costs may increase.
As a PM, I’ll stick with resource smoothing so that the deadline of the event doesn’t change.
The Deadline will be reschedule why cost implementation we be increased due to factor involved
The MTD Glasgow project had a quality problem, three days before the venue of the event went life it was discovered that the water quality was bad due to a contaminated main source.
I think that a resource levelling approach although might not impact on the project cost or resource capacity, however a resource smoothing smoothing option would preserved the planned deadline, however increasing the project cost.
In my best opinion about the MTD’s water project, Resource smoothing approach is appropriate because the deadline is maintained but operational cost will increase. Also, the quality of the project is sustained and project is delivered at the expected time.
For the MTD Project, I will recommend the Resource smoothing so as to meet up with the deadline and the quality will be attained but at a higher cost.
With the MTD water project the resource smoothing would be the best, even though it might cost the project sponsor more money. However, the budgeted deadline would still remain the same and quality maintained.
With the nature of projects that MTD take on which are time sensitive, I would advise they take on a resource smoothing approach instead of a resource levelling approach. This will ensure that the planned deadline for the project is attained although the project costs may increase.
Resource leveling is a project management technique that balances resource demand with availability, aiming to avoid overloads and underutilization. For MTD and their projects, this approach holds potential benefits. Firstly, it can help reduce failure costs by accurately identifying resource requirements and preventing unexpected expenses. Secondly, it ensures accurate information and capacity calculation for water installations, aligning available resources with projected demand. Thirdly, it enables event flexibility by reallocating resources to adapt to changing requirements, maintaining project progress. Lastly, resource leveling contributes to customer satisfaction by meeting deadlines, delivering high-quality installations, and preventing resource-related disruptions. However, the success of this technique depends on factors such as resource availability, project complexity, and specific constraints. MTD would need to carefully analyze their resources and project requirements to implement resource leveling effectively. Overall, resource leveling has the potential to optimize resource utilization and enhance efficiency in MTD’s water installation events, including the upcoming Glasgow event.
When discussing the MTD water project, it’s crucial to factor in the project timeline. I recommend employing the result-smoothing or time-limited schedule method. Additionally, seeking more expertise and adjusting the budget may be necessary to ensure the water supply is delivered effectively. While increasing the final cost might be a concern, it will help accommodate the necessary budget adjustments.
Analyzing the project’s timeline allows us to assess potential challenges and opportunities for optimization. By utilizing the result-smoothing or time-limited schedule method, we can mitigate risks and ensure timely completion. Engaging additional expertise ensures a comprehensive approach, improving project outcomes. While budget adjustments may seem daunting, they are essential for project success and maintaining high-quality water supply for the community.
MTD has limited time and resources levelling holds the capacity and reschedule the planned deadline.
Resource Levelling is better with project that have enough non-critical path which allows for time adjustment in order to stay within the planned costs.
MTD in this case, would need to use resource smoothing in order to deliver within the limited time. Therefore resource Levelling is not a good idea for MTD water project.
resource levelling approach is not a good idea in the MTD operation because the work deadline cannot be shifted or reschedule, it has to be delivered on point or in earnest,so increasing resources to accomodate delivery on time will be the best solution.
Resources smoothing will be a better option for MTD, so that they will not loose a further and also be able to meet project the deadline
From the lessons on resources smoothing ànd level which clearly explains the both a
So sorry about this,my phone mistakenly sent what I was still working on.
From our lesson,we were meant to understand what resources smoothing and and resources levelling which states;
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.
MTD will be better of with resources smoothing since it’s for the immediate but if peradventure the event can postponed,then using resources levelling is better