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 would advise MTD to consider Resource smoothing as it would enable them meet stipulated deadlines. However,They will incur more cost.
Sene Team 4
with regards to the MTD project, resource soothing is better approach since there’s a set date, time constraint, by providing additional resources to keep the project on course
I think the best strategy and approach for MTD is resource Smoothing considering that the project is time based to meet deadlines.
Resource Smoothing is a better approach for a time based project.
I will prepare resource smoothing based on its benefits.
Resource smoothing will be okay
Due to time constraints and being ale to meet up with the Project deliverables, I would recommend that the MTD water events company opt for Resource smoothing.
Resource smoothing aims to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs
Resource smoothing appears a better option in these cases as the factors (critical and non-critical ) can not be delayed. Time is essential and thus requires allocation of
more resources with the stipulated timelines maintained
MTD main focus was to maintain the project timeline , resource smoothing is the best go to as it focuses on preserving planned deadline. I think its the best strategy at this point even if more cost might be incurred.
Friday Uwhubetine (cohort 10: T 5)
To my mind, the Project Manager at DMT-handling that particular event took the right decision by the deployment of additional resources. Therefore, his choice to use the Smoothie approach, rather than the leveling was well informed.
At the risk of not beating the deadline, incurring more cost (which may be transferred to the sponsors) was well-thought out.
The date for the event had already been scheduled and it was only a couple of days away, so incurring additional costs by way of making arrangements for alternative water supply was on point.