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.
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Resource smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs,
While
Resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling
Hence By considering 3 piles of project management (Time, cost, and quality) Resources smoothing will no be much advisable
Project completion on the specified date is usually paramount and a top consideration by a PM.
In practical terms, opting for resource leveling proves advantageous as it ensures resource capacity remains intact. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this approach may necessitate rescheduling certain phases of the MTD water project, inevitably influencing the overall deadline. The careful consideration of these trade-offs is crucial for achieving a balanced and successful project outcome.
In navigating project management, the distinction between resource smoothing and resource leveling becomes pivotal. While resource smoothing strives to uphold planned deadlines at the expense of increased project costs, resource leveling maintains current capacity but prioritizes rescheduling, potentially impacting project deadlines.
In practical terms, opting for resource leveling proves advantageous as it ensures resource capacity remains intact. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that this approach may necessitate rescheduling certain phases of the MTD water project, inevitably influencing the overall deadline. The careful consideration of these trade-offs is crucial for achieving a balanced and successful project outcome.
Project completion on the specified date is usually paramount and a top consideration by a PM.
For this reason, the MTD water project should apply Resource Smoothing in order to complete the project within the specified timeframe. This is also to avoid disruption on the start and end dates for the event that is already fixed.
Otherwise, if the event date can be moved, then resource leveling will be used.
For me,I will note the style of communication that best works for each stakeholder.Thank you
Resource smoothing focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project costs; resource levelling does not change the current capacity but focuses instead on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadlines.
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.
Application of resources leveling is preferable since it won’t alter the existing resources capacity. However, the implication is reschedule some phases of the MTD water project thereby affecting the deadline.
Resource levelling is more about accomplishing a task that can cause an extension on delivery date but resource smoothing means accomplishing a task putting in more than assigned labour and still delivering at the set out time
Taking MTD event at Glasgow, looking at the timelines to the main event which is fixed already the approach of resource leveling will greatly impact the float whereas the resource smoothing will increase the project cost slightly however the timeline would still be achieved and the programme commences as planned without a hitch. This is more critical, because the idea of shift of event would be costlier than the additional funds needed to ensure the smoothing process is done effectively.
If MTD applies resources leveling, they will relatively maintain their cost, but will increase their time, which will invariable affect the cost still. However, if they apply resource smoothing, it might take the prices up a bit, but their schedule will be maintained, especially since the date for the event has already been fixed. Resources smoothing will be more ideal in this case.
In my opinion, resource smoothing is best due to the fact of accommodating increased project costs while maintaining the deadline.Resource levelling does not allow any increase in project costs, no matter the float.
•Implementing resource leveling requires strategies with an early, mid or late delays which will cost the project much and time is money afterall. From the iron triangle, time and cost are greatly affected in this approach.
• A better approach would be resource smoothing, though it will cost the project a little bit the quality, time and client/stakeholder’s satisfaction would be prioritized.
Choice between resource smoothing and resource levelling depends on project priorities and constraints however, resource smoothing focuses on solving resource conflicts without altering project’s critical path, while resource levelling aims to balance usage evenly over time.
MTD in my opinion it will be better to apply resource smoothing, increase project cost , by bring more hands and get the project done effectively
Resource smoothing is the best since it doesn’t change time for deadline it only increase cost. But resource leveling is also good just that the sponsor may not have much time to wait