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
Amsain Olawale Cohort 9 Team 2:
Because of the nature of the out put of the MTD Projects, which is essential to the community, and also the time bound delivery of project output. I would say that Resource smoothing is the best option, so that the schedule for the project will not be altered and the deadline will be met even though it will come at a price which is an increase in project cost.
The MTD project is a time based project and as such resource smoothing will be advisible to be use because if resource leveling is used it will affect the project deadline or timing
Team 5
Resource smoothing is the best to meet deadlines for MTD project but resource levelling can also work to achieve set quality plan even though it will affect the deadline
Adopting the resource smoothing approach for MTD would be the best option, considering the timeframe for the delivery of the project.
This is because it helps to focus on the set deadline while also adding up the project cost..
Jennifer Aghemwenhio
Cohort 9 team 5
Resource levelling is feasible in the MTD project as it will help to reduce external failures .some aspect of the project can be delayed to enable floating task to take place and still meet with the project quality,time and budget.
Cohort 9 team 1
For project like MTD, resource smoothing is the best option since it preserve the planned project duration and deadline.
Team 6
Resource leveling is a project management technique used to balance the demand for resources with their availability.
Employing a resource leveling approach for MTD, the water installation events company, holds the potential to harmonize resource demand and availability.
By judiciously distributing resources like equipment, personnel, and materials, MTD can achieve a refined equilibrium during their events.
This strategic maneuver would thwart any excessive burden on specific resources, thus optimizing event execution.
Nevertheless, the practicability of this approach hinges on the distinct attributes of MTD’s projects, resource accessibility, and event intricacies.
Engaging in a dialogue with MTD’s project managers would be prudent to assess the viability and distinctive advantages of incorporating a resource leveling strategy.
Problems of Associated with Scheduling Resources.
Thoughtless optimism: Being too hopeful about task times leads to unrealistic scheduling and delays.
Demand equal to resource capacity: Trying to max out resources creates inefficiencies and bottlenecks.
The ‘student syndrome’: Delaying tasks causes unexpected delays and project disruptions.
Multitasking to reduce idle time: Juggling tasks can slow things down due to switching costs.
Complex schedules: Complex plans lead to confusion, errors, and tracking problems.
Motivation: Team apathy leads to slow work and affects timelines.
Game-playing: Selfish schedule changes create conflicts and project delays.
All these problems are most likely to affect my organization especially the multitasking now that we are embarking on a new project while others are still ongoing.
Addressing these problems requires careful planning, realistic expectations, effective communication, and the flexibility to adapt to changes and unexpected events.
For MTD project, resource smoothing strategy is the best, so that the project can be delivered on time. Although, the cost variance can be upsetting for the client in terms of project cost increase.
Based on the situation and criteria I think Resource smoothing is the best option, so that the standard of the project and project end date stay protected and build the reputation of workflow as well for the current and Future project.
As a PM for MTD, Resource smoothing will work effectively with the project, the cost might be high but it will be more effective for the project
Resource leveling can not be an option in such projects executed by MTD from what we have seen, as resource leveling suggest a change and shift in deadline to a later date. Most of these events are time fixed and sensitive and may not accommodate change in deadline. The best option would be resource smoothing eventhough that will incur more cost. So as to deliver the project as at the time agreed or even earliee
The MTD project is a time based project, therefore Resource smoothing approach will be the best because it focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs.