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
Given the pre-scheduled event with a fixed deadline, it is clear that the Resource Levelling approach is not suitable for MTD because, the project will not be delivered as agreed and it will bring about disappointet to the client. In this scenario, the most suitable option is Resource Smoothing, albeit with the associated consequence of an incremental increase in project cost. The project will be delivered as planned and event will also hold as proposed
I would not advise using the resource levelling approach as the major issue of the project is a scarcity of resources.
Resource leveling will be a great help when it comes to quality and all technical issue will be handle correctly smoothing might not take project detail into consideration but rather focuses on time.
Resource smoothing appears to be 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 to be maintained
Resource smoothing will be advisable so that deadlines will be met. The phases and project plans wouldn’t change that much except cost implications. MTD water project has the responsibility to deliver onsite water facilities to meet the need of the users at an already established event date, so the solution that will help with the delivery date would be resource smoothing
For the MTD project, Resource Smoothing is the best approach for the project because of the Time frame to deliver the project.
A Project like MTD requires resource smoothing because it preserves planned deadlines but increases project cost. As long as the deadline is met and the project is delivered, the best approach should be adopted.
Resource smoothing and resource levelling.
About MTD, the water installation events company and the Glasgow event videos so far on this course. Looking at the figure above to apply a resource levelling approach is not a good solution.
The approach that fit is Resource Smoothing because of the event deadline. Resources can be added or using overtime approach will help to meet up with the deadlines
Oladapo Ngozi Elizabeth
Team 8, Cohort 11
Considering MTD and what is does, RESOURCE SMOOTHING is best to handle the project to meet the deadline.
Cohort11 Team5
Meeting deadlines sometimes can be very tasking and stressful, but timely delivery promotes trust and reliability it also meets needs at the appropriate time. I would rather choose resource smoothing for MTD because smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increases project cost.
Resource leveling can be considered only if all options of resource smoothing fail.
Team 5 Cohort 11
I agree to this statement
Resource smoothing is advisable for MTD water event company because they have delivery deadlines that cannot be extended. However, peradventure the resource smoothing fails, they can absorb the resource levelling as an alternative.
Resource Leveling will be fine