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
With respect to the MTD Glasgow event, resource leveling will be a wrong approach because the project deadline cannot be changed. The entire project objective was to supply drinking water to an event and the date of the event was fixed.
Resource smoothing will be the right approach although it will impact the project cost.
Resource smoothing is a better choice for MTD in my opinion.
Resource levelling wii be a wrong approach because the deadline for the project cannot be extended. Resource smoothing is the better approach although costlier
For a well structured system like MTD, resource smoothening would be best. Their timelines are already programed and would not appreciate the change in schedule that comes with resource levelling.
But then it is important to note the specific details and constraints of the MTD/Glasgow event, the available resources , project requirements and stakeholder expectations would be necessary to make an informed decision.
Most MTD projects are focused towards achieving a goal for an event. This means the timeline must be followed. For a well structured system like MTD, resource smoothening would be a better option. Their timelines have already been programed, a change in schedule that comes with resource levelling will not help the project.
But then it is important to note the specific details and constraints that comes with achieving the MTD Glassglows project so as to better advice
With the need to achieve the required quality, time, cost and the delivery of the project at the stated deadline, I will adopt the resource smoothing strategy as a project manager. Although resource smoothing may increase the project’s cost for an added but efficient team member etc., It will be in the interest of my client knowing that the work will qualitatively advance and the project realised earlier or in time. won’t accept any redundancy at all during the project.
On the other hand, given that project deadline rescheduling is the goal of resource levelling, MTD must not adopt this approach because it does not really modify the project’s present capacity and quality within the stipulated time.
In fact, it will be preferable for me the PM to loose some finances in the new team mate that will be hired and gain trust for better future projects as the qualitative work is executed and handed with the deadline
Using recourse levelling for projects like MTD may alter the deadline by extending the project time, therefore, resource smoothing is better off for this project
For the MTD Glasgow event, using the leveling method might completely alter the chain of events and impact negativity outcome with a new deadline which may not favour the event so the best approach is resource smoothing
For Glasgow events I feel an alterations in their dates or deadlines may have an effect on them. Therefore resource smoothing might work better for them. Better still the sponsor can also look at the scope to see how it can be expanded
For the water project at MTD ,resource levelling will not be the best option because of the fixed date for the project but using the resource smoothing approach will be useful for the project and the stakeholders.
I think resource leveling would not be the best approach here because if the project sponsor wishes to change the capacity of the project, the approach won’t allow it. So resource smoothing is the best approach to it
Considering the type of project MTD work on which is connected to events and water. Resource levelling approach will most likely not be feasible because events are usually fixed and announced, vendors booked, date sets and even the event center or field readily booked for the date. In this case, Resource smoothing is most feasible. Even though additional cost will be incurred, it can be reduced to ensure it doesn’t strain the stakeholder, parties and company involved and at the end of the day it’s a win win situation, event goes on as slated for deadline, resources is available and project is done.
Resource smoothing may be the best option to achieve the project according to slated timelines and according to float. Resource levelling may extend the timeline for the project.
Resource smoothing may be the best option to achieve the project according to slated timelines and according to float. Resource levelling may extend the timeline for the project.