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 the best approach as it ensures the timely completion of the project with the agreed end date.
for the case of MTD event company and Glasglow event, i will subscribe to the resource smoothing rather than resource levelling because the project deadline can still be met and also the quality of the project will still be okay.
In the case of the Glasgow project of MTD, Resource smoothing will be the only option at that time because the event is already upon them so it will be better to upscale the project cost, keep quality assured and maintain the deadline. Resource Levelling wouldn’t be feasible in such a time.
Resource leveling is an important tool to manage resources during the execution of this project, it may not be sufficient for this MTD and Glasgow project, as delivery date would be delayed.
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.
Rescheduling the MTD, the water installation events firm, and the Glasgow event is not recommended since it will have a significant impact on project timelines, affecting stakeholders and project management deliverables.
However, I propose that we implement resource smoothing, which seeks to keep original project timelines while increasing project costs. Increasing project costs may be uncomfortable at first, but in the long run, hiring more hands on the project will keep the project deadline while generating effective outcomes.
Considering the Glasgow Event, as Project Manager of MTD, I’d rather opt for Resource Smoothing which aims at maintaining original project deadlines, since the Event cannot be rescheduled even though it would have an upward impact on Project Costs.
Resource Leveling cannot be considered at all, as it would mean rescheduling which is impossible, even though the existing resource capacity remains unaltered, but Project deadlines wouldn’t be met.
As a project Manager for MTD and bearing in mind how timely event management project planning is, it is absolutely impossible to use resource levelling strategy. It would be advisable that Resource smoothing be used as the deadline cannot be moved from initial project planning.
Understanding both concepts will help us make a better decision, 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.
i would go for resource leveling, although the project deadline may change by a day or two, its better than incurring unnecessary cost.
Ekwuribe Uzochukwu C.
Cohort 8 Team 4
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. Therefore, it is advisable to go for Resource Smoothing to ensure the deadline is met.
As the PM, considering resource smoothing for the project which will be in line with the deadline and quality than resource levelling which may have an impact on project deadlines.