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
I don’t think it is feasible to implement resource leveling in this case as it would not just attract rescheduled deadline but also increased cost as a result on an extended project timeline.
For me as the project manager, it would be best to activate Resource smoothing which would not only preserve the project goal but maintain Company ethics but an increased cost with the benefit of meeting assigned deadline from the initiation phase.
It is important for MTD to increase cost rather than joepardize future opportunities by extending deadline.
In this scenario
For MTD’s water project deadline, resource smoothing is ideal despite potential cost increases and timely delivery of a high-quality project is the top priority, ensuring sponsor satisfaction.
IN THIS SCENARIO THAT WAS JUST REVIEWED.
Resource levelling has more advantages because it involves smoothing out the allocation of resources to prevent peaks and troughs, ensuring a more consistent workflow.
Factors such as the project timeline, available resources, and potential challenges in resource allocation would need to be considered to determine the feasibility of implementing a resource-leveling approach in this particular scenario.
The MTD water project is tasked with delivering onsite water facilities by a set event date, making resource smoothing the key solution for timely delivery
OR
If we are thinking about the MTD, Water Installation Company and Glasgow event Company, It would be not just be possible but also ideal going for smoothing strategy in as much as there will be an 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.
Resource smoothing focus on preserving planned deadline though increasing project cost, while resource levelling does not change the current capacity though focuses on rescheduling, with a possible impact on project deadline.
I will say resource smoothing is more suitable in order to be able to work with the deadline.
Resource smoothing will be a better option in this scenario. If MTD applies resources leveling, they may be able to maintain cost, but will however, increase their time, which will inevitably affect their cost still. However, if resource smoothing is applied, prices may be hiked up a bit, but their schedule will be maintained.
Resource smoothing suits this project although the project manager should be able to do what works best in meeting up with the deadline and giving his client a satisfactory job.
Thanks.
Resource smoothing is the best option for MTD to meet up with the deadline even though it will cost them more to implement the project but the client will be satisfied with the project delivery.
Since MTD has a deadline to meet, I don’t think it would be possible to apply a resource leveling approach.
Resource leveling seek to balance workload on resources thereby making it feasible to implement in this instance, this help to equate resource usage with available capacity
It will stabilize the workload and reduce stress risks.