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
As regards the MTD water installation event company I think resource smoothing will be best this is to give the best services while meeting up with the scheduled time.
Considering the event that happened at Glasglow, I would advice MTD- the water installation events company to follow the Resource Smoothing approach because this gives room to focusing on preserving their planned deadlines in as much as it increases the project costs rather than going for a Resource Leveling approach which will not only increase the project’s costs but will also change and reschedule everything concerning the project, thereby making the project deadline to be changed which would affected the event in Glasglow.
Both could play depending on who and how it’s tackled but smoothing approach would be best suited.
Depending on the constraint i am dealing with, i would level resources as suitable or apply the smoothing approach as suitable to achieve my project objectives
For MTD and their water installation projects, the best approach for them is resource smoothing because client company already has their event day fixed which MTD has to work with. So MTD would rather increase costs in order to preserve planned deadlines.
When we talk about resource levelling, we are talking about rescheduling of project time, delivery date and so on.. This will result in change in the time frame that was agreed on… Giving that MTD Project are time based, it will not be advised to adopt the resource levelling strategy.
On the other hand Resource Smoothing focuses on delivery the project at the agreed deadline and time frame…this may incurr more cost and using overtime. the planned project duration is preserved.
So Resource Smoothing is the sure bet for both MTD and Glasgow
Resource smoothing is the most appropriate for MTD here due to time constraint. It is recommended in order to meet the deadline.
The best approach for them is resource smoothing because client company already has their event day fixed which is the deadline MTD has to work with. So MTD would have to actively increase costs in order to preserve planned deadlines.
In a bid to meet dateline, i suggest that the best approach or process to use is the resource smoothing.
Constant communication is one of the major roles of project management with stakeholders. The Project manager should consider oral and written communication including online collaboration which has been proven to have several advantages related to how knowledge is codified and creativity is enhanced when online and co-located teams are combined. Constant communication will bring a mutual agreement, understanding and value sought through collaboration.
I would advise MTD to use the Resource smoothing approach as it would enable them meet stipulated deadlines even if its going to cost them more.
Resource smoothing is a better approach for MTD because of the stipulated time assigned to it.
Resource smoothing is the most appropriate for MTD here due to time constraint. It is recommended inorder to meet the deadline.
No. It’s not advisable for MTD to apply resource levelling due to time constraints and the fact that the project is for an event of which they’re only handling a part of (supply of water).
They’ll need to adopt resource smoothing.