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
In the case of MTD company, I will advise them to apply a Resource Smoothing approach since it aim at preserving the planned deadline, which means every clients expect to see their projects been completed on before the planned date.
Resource leveling is the practice of adjusting a project’s start and end dates to accommodate for limited resources. Resource smoothing, meanwhile, entails adjusting the project’s activities to ensure work is completed according to existing timelines.
I’ll vote in the Resource Smoothing approach as it focuses on preserving the planned deadline, it’s okay to only incur an increase in project cost. Resource Leveling approach will increase the project cost, also change or reschedule initial plans on the project, creating a change in project deadline.
Resource smoothing is advisable for MTD Company
Will go for resource smoothing
For a company like MTD my recommendation to this approach will be Resources Smoothing and not Resources Levelling.
Resource smoothing will help them get the job done on time though at a higher cost but levelling will not make them deliver as at when due.
Resources leveling on the MTD project is going to pose a huge risk of lose to the project. In my opinion, resource leveling for such a complex project could be overwhelming and may jeopardise the success of the project, thus the need for resource smoothing.
with my best knowledge so far on this course, I will go for resource smoothing.
I will also go resource smoothing, cos I will rather increase the cost and meet the deadline than rescheduling with possible impact on the deadline.
MTD can increase the work hours and pay overtime for the resources to be for efficient.
For MTD, ultimately the show must go on.
With that in mind, applying resource levelling approach will not work. The event must start regardless with everything in place, therefore I would recommend applying the resource smoothing approach. The end date / deadline is preserved but project cost increases .
From the videos, the MTD seems to plans for contingencies anyway in their project plans so this approach will work best for them.
OJO OLUWANIFEMI
COHIORT 11 TEAM 8