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’d say resources smoothing will be the ideal approach instead of resources levelling, since the organization main concern is to see that the a project is accomplished before the set deadline at any cost.
Adopting the resource smoothing technique for the MTD water project would be acceptable and prudent.
Although project costs will rise, the deadline will be met because every project depends on it.
It increases the project manager’s dependability.
I think the best strategy for MTD to apply in this situation is Resource smoothing since this strategy focuses on preserving planned deadlines although their project costs will increase.
This because the sporting event for which their projects is based is a fixed event with date already fixed. Too many people are involved and participating in the event: athletes and their supporting staff, media, spectators, vendors etc, all probably coming to the event from different locations. So in this case using the strategy of resource levelling would not work as this strategy would require changing the project deadlines and rescheduling, and the project owner would not permit this as MTD is just one of the service provider that has been hired to provide a product (water) for their event.
I don’t think it will be possible to adapt the resource levelling approach for MTD project considering the nature of the project as an extension in deadline can affect the actual event which would have been publicised already. However if resource levelling can be done within the float, then it’s possible.
It would be reasonable and wiser to adopt the resource smoothing strategy for the MTD water project.
Although, project cost will increase but deadline will be meet as this is key in every project.
It makes the project manager more reliable.
It will be feasible to implement project levelling for the MTD Water Project but I would advise that the resource smoothing approach should be utilize because it will help complete the project before the deadline although it will lead to increase in costs, bearing in mind that the organization main concern is to complete the project before the deadline at any cost.
In my opinion, Resource smoothing will be the best strategy as MTD would have to Preserve the deadlines while increasing Project cost.
In context, what i have experience the more in PM is resource levelling as they have to work within the available resources. (Africa reality)
The best approach to be considered here is the resource-smoothing approach instead of resource leveling because we are working with a deadline (for an event that has a targeted time and period its taking place)..However additional project cost will be need but hence will FastTrack the delivery of our project.
On an MTD project ,I would advice the best option to opt for is resource smoothing.
Resource smoothing has a deadline on a project which is paramount, despite it incurring more cost for the project. Hence MTD project deals with delivery of water to a specific people, which is essential to the livelihood of a target people.If this is rescheduled it will affect the aim of the delivery on the project.
As a PM for MTD, resource leveling won’t be applicable since supplying water requires prompt delivery in time schedule. Consequently, Resource smoothing will be applicable while ensuring accurate communication from the client and quality feedback to cover up for any cost resources that may spring up after.