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
According to the MTD it would be necessary for them to go for resources smoothing so as to bring in more hands to meet the deadline of project rather than going for resources leveling which will see tje the project noy meeting its deadline.
For MTD in my opinion it will be better to apply resource smoothing, increase project cost , by bring more hands and get the project done by deadline.
Thinking about the MTD, Water Installation Company and Glasgow event Company, It will be not just be possible but also ideal going for smoothing strategy in as much as there will be increase in costs, they will be able to achieve their primary goal which is completing/ delivering a quality project within the stipulated time frame and by so doing, maintain their sponsors’ satisfaction.
Thinking about the MTD, Water Installation Company and Glasgow event Company, It will be not just be possible but also ideal going for smoothing strategy in as much as there will be increase in costs, they will be able to achieve their primary goal which is completing/ delivering a quality project within the stipulated time frame and by so doing, maintainin their sponsors’ satisfaction.
Smoothing resources while keeping the predetermined timeframe intact is, in my judgment, the wisest course of action in this case. Smoothing of resources is recommended in order to meet deadlines.
Although resource leveling does not alter present capacity but instead focuses on rescheduling, which may have an effect on project deadlines, resource smoothing prioritizes maintaining scheduled deadlines at the expense of increased project expenses.
Resource smoothing is advisable in other to meet deadline
Resource smoothing is best recommended for MTD, so that they and their partners (glasgow) can be on the same ground.
Sunday Nathaniel Ngwamah,
Cohort 12, Team 10.
Meeting dates have been a major priority of both MTD and Glasgow as events companies. Many times, they have start and end dates scheduled before the projects begin. With this in mind, they encure higher or more costs many times since their targets are timeliness. They do this to mostly avoid disappointment of sponsors.
As the result, resource smoothing is recommended for them which though will lead to more projects cost, will definitely facilitate finishing in time and therefore meeting dateline. This strategy is best for then so long as quality and timeliness is met.
Sunday Nathaniel Ngwamah,
Cohort 12, Team 10.
Meeting dates have been a major priority of both MTD and Glasgow as events companies. Many times, they have start and end dates scheduled before the projects begin. With this in mind, they encure higher or more costs many times since their targets are timeliness. They do this to mostly avoid disappointment of sponsors.
As the result, resource smoothing is recommended for them which though will lead to more projects cost, will definitely facilitate finishing in time and therefore meeting dateline. This strategy is best for then so long as quality and timeliness is met.
A resource-smoothing approach is recommended for MTD so that the deadlines can be met. Even though more resources are required, it is better to have the sponsors, that is, Glasgow Events Company, satisfied. Resource-levelling may cause delays which may hamper the timely delivery of outputs.