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
THADDEUS ASOTIE|COHORT9|TEAM 10
Considering the MTD, the water installation events and company, and the Glasgow event that we have been following so far, My thought on this is that resource smoothing is the best and most effective approach to be adopted by the MTD water installations and event company since deadline will and must not be altered.
You absolutely right. There is no need for alteration on the project schedule in resource smoothing.
I would recommend resource levelling. MTD is a time based project and this will keep the team in check in the area of being flexible with time and exercising team work to meet the deadline which is essential.
Considering the fact that the MTD water project is already planned and is existing, I would suggest a resource smoothing which is also a time-limited rescheduling should be initiated as the planned time-up for the project will not be extended, the tendency of additional cost is high though but can be managed to the barest minimum.
Considering the Water Project of MTD, Resource smoothing is adviced as the Project deadlines is not affected, The Glasglow event is on a set date, so its not advisable to delay critical or any activities as the company cannot afford a slip on Time.
However Overtime of the resources available or getting new resource to complete the project will be advised while managing the impact in Project cost and training new hires
Because MTD kinds of projects are events that makes time even much more critical. Hence, the best approach to the resource will be resource smoothing rather than resource-leveling. Because it will allow for maintaining the deadline and quality requirements as well.
I recommend the Resource smoothing Approach as a project is termed a success when all requirements are met.
Chinwendu Daniel Ogwueli
Team3, cohort 9.
I recommend resource smoothing because it allows project manager to add more resources to the project in order to meet up deadline and maintain quality.
Resource smoothing is the best option, so that the standard of the project and project end date is maintained.
Cohort 9; team 1
I recall in one of the videos, the representative from MTD said that they usually make room in their initial project plan for an additional 2 or 3 days before the actual project deadline to accommodate quality issues and that it sometimes impacts cost, but they maintain the deadline. This means their kind of projects fit resource smoothing.
In considering MTD, an ideal approach will be the best to implement resource smoothing, as quality is essential especially in all aspect of the water project.
Introducing more resources to meet deadlines or better still the project sponsor should evaluate and analyze the project scope based on the factor of time, quality and scope.
I encourage MTD to use resource smoothomg
I concur. Resource smoothing will allow for meeting the deadline yet maintaining quality.
I recall in one of the videos, the representative from MTD said that they usually make room in their initial project plan for an additional 2 or 3 days before the actual project deadline to accommodate quality issues and that it sometimes impacts cost, but they maintain the deadline. This means their kind of projects fit resource smoothing.
ADAMU MOHAMMED
COHORT 9,
TEAM 6.
Events often have unique and time-sensitive aspects that cannot be easily rescheduled. Therefore, while resource principles could offer insights, resource Smoothing is a more flexible and adaptive approach necessary to successfully manage the complexities of event projects.
Afterwards, review can be done to forestall any other causes for additional cost in their subsequent projects. Considering the nature of projects and events been Undertaken by MTD, the best approach is resource smoothing due to the fact that they are time-based projects needed to meet deadlines.
An ideal approach will be to implement resource smoothing, as quality is essential especially in all aspect of the water project.
Introducing more resources to meet deadlines or better still the project sponsor should evaluate and analyze the project scope based on the factor of time, quality and scope.