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.
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To join this discussion, I will say that first of all, the MTD is kind of intricate one, but I will say that It will
be possible to apply resource levelling approach on preserving planned deadlines.
That’s my take
I am of the opinion that MTD project will require Resource smoothing in order to ensure the project completion time is is preserved even though that may affect the Project cost otherwise it may be necessary to do a re-evaluation of the Project Scope
Taking into consideration the timeliness of the MTD projects which are scheduled to meet a specific need and a target audience; the best approach to adopt would be resource smoothing although much cost would be incurred but the urgency of the project would be attended to.
I do not think it is possible to apply resource levelling for it tends to impact on the project deadline. Take for instance a sporting event that has been scheduled to end within a specified time; it is not possible to end the deadline. So MTD will apply resource smoothing though this will add to the project cost but the timely delivery to meet the project deadline is paramount. Cost can be reviewed by sponsor and possible apply for variance to the client.
With MTD, It is very possible to apply resource levelling approach on preserving planned deadlines.
When analysing MTD event company and Glasglow event, the to the smoothing pattern would be preffered rather than the levelling one
Considering the timeliness of the MTD projects which are scheduled to meet a specific need and a target audience; the best approach to adopt would be resource smoothing although much cost would be incurred but the urgency of the project would be attended to.
As a PM for MTD, resource smoothing is better, firstly because the product entailed is essential therefore rescheduling would stir lots of noise from stakeholders or clients.
The adoption of resources would preserve deadlines would although with more cost incurred
I think it would be best to apply the resource smoothing approach to handle resource shortfall in the MTD Project. This is considering the fact that the nature of MTD’s projects always require urgency in its delivery and although this approach of resource smoothing may incur some extra cost, it will ensure quality delivery and holding up the deadline. The levelling approach would ultimately cost more where deadlines are not met as it could result in the client recalling the entire project or terminating the contract.
I would go for resource smoothing for the kind of time-based projects handled by MTD. Though project cost is affected upwards, but project would be delivered according to schedule. That, however, would require project cost review by the sponsor.