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 rather than levelling is appropriate to meet deadlines.
Keeping a tap on the MTD water project, I will go for the resource smoothing which is optimal for a time based project, though cost will be affected, it is better than resource levelling which has to do with reschedule or not meeting deadline.
Because of the importance of water for the sporting project which has been fixed, resource smoothing is best applicable. This means the entire organisation focuses on preserving the planned project duration and its deadlines by applying more resources to the project.
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Project completion on the specified date is usually paramount and a top consideration by a PM.
For this reason, the MTD water project should apply Resource Smoothing in order to complete the project within the specified timeframe. This is also to avoid disruption on the start and end dates for the event that is already fixed.
Otherwise, if the event date can be moved, then resource leveling will be used.
Based on the time set for the project, resource smoothing is the preferable option to go for
Resource smoothing focuses on maintaining a consistent level of resource utilization throughout the project duration and is such ideal in this case than resource levelling which focuses on adjusting timing which could lead to delays and affect the overall success of the project
The primary goal is to avoid abrupt fluctuations in resource demand. This technique allows for some flexibility in the start and finish times of activities as long as project deadlines are met.
Resource smoothing is particularly useful when dealing with resources that are limited or expensive, such as specialized equipment or skilled personnel.
The emphasis is on minimizing resource peaks and valleys without significantly impacting project timelines.
In the context of Glasgow sporting events, resource smoothing would involve spreading out the utilization of facilities, equipment, and personnel to prevent sudden surges in demand of available resources without compromising the overall event schedule.
It’s not wise to apply Resource Levelling it will affect the event whose date has been already fixed.
Since the water project of MTD is for a specific schedule event, resource smoothing is best. For the Glasgow project which had definite deadline, resource smoothing is also the best option.
The resource levelling approach may not be applicable in the mtd event water firm, it’ll rather use resource smoothening considering the perennial needs of water in the events and the negativity of rescheduling
Projects have deadlines and they must be maintained for various benefits. Resource smoothing can be appropriate in this project in order to meet the completion date.