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
Resource levelling will not work in this case because the events cannot be shifted or if done will cost a lot to do due to the fact that invitations, tickets and advertisements about the event would have already been done and sent out. Therefore, resource smoothing will be a better choice because it would help get the job done at the expected date or even earlier.
Resource smoothing maintains maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs. While the resource leveling maintain the existing resource capacity but instead emphasizes rescheduling, which may have an impact on project deadlines
MTD project, adopting resources leveling, will increase time, which will affect the cost even while trying to maintain their cost. 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.
Reply
It would be feasible to implement resource levelling as it focuses on balancing the workload on resources so as to equate resource usage with available capacity
It will stabilize the workload and reduce stress risks.
Because MTD have a tight deadline to meet, the best solution is resources smoothing which will cost them more.
Resource leveling poses significant challenges for MTD due to their stringent timelines, primarily in event setup with fixed commencement dates affecting multiple stakeholders. The nature of their work necessitates allowances for redundancies, ensuring operational continuity and deadline adherence. To mitigate disruptions, MTD strategically incorporates buffers and contingency plans, aligning resources with the dynamic demands of their projects. This approach enables them to navigate unforeseen circumstances and maintain a robust operational structure, vital for meeting time-sensitive project goals amidst the complexities of event management.
No i do not think so due to the deadlines to be met.
Looking ant the magnitude of that project mtd is handling, resource leveling is not possible because they are working on a tight deadline .the best option to adopt . Though it may cost more ,but the goal will be achieved . Therefore , resource smoothing will be the best for them to utilize
Resource levelling is almost impossible for MTD because they work with tight deadlines. They’re setting up for events that have a fixed take off date that impact several other stakeholders. This is why they make room for redundancies and have provision to ensure work is not disrupted and they can meet deadlines given.
For me the MTD water installation, it will be good if they use resource leveling not minding that it will make the project not to be delivered at the appointed time but it will bring in much more good in terms of rescheduling for proper handling of the project…
It’s very important for the water installation company to stick to deadlines
Cohort 12- Team 2
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
For the of MTD, applying resources leveling, will definitely increase their time, which will invariable affect the cost even while trying to aintain their cost. 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.