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
In analyzing MTD’s projects, specifically the water installation events in Glasgow, a critical examination is needed to determine if these initiatives face rapid changes, uncertainties, or resource fluctuations that could justify adopting a resource leveling approach. This evaluation involves aligning the principles of resource leveling with MTD’s operational dynamics, assessing resource constraints or uneven workloads that could benefit from a more balanced allocation. Furthermore, a reflection on project scope revisions, consideration of the core elements of time, cost, and quality, exploration of potential risks and benefits, and comparisons with large infrastructure projects offer insights into whether a resource leveling approach is feasible and practical for MTD’s unique context.
Resource levelling is best for MTD since resource levelling is a resource management technique that can help teams better accommodate resource constraints and predict project timelines. It would also help them avoid poor project planning.
I would consider resource levelling for the MDT water cooperation because it will help to balance the workload and possibly for Glasgow project, but it entails a lot of complexities and the environment is also volatile.
In the Case of MTD a water company who have a lot Clientele relying on them may have to go with idea of Resource Levelling due to the kind of service they provide; it might incur cost. but due to certain factors , the best chance is to stick with resource Levelling.
Resourcce leveling suits MTD’s projects in my opinion becase resource leveling balances workload and still impacts on project deadlines,
Resource leveling aims to address resource constraints without altering the project’s overall duration. This is achieved by adjusting the schedule of activities, often resulting in a smoother resource utilization curve. However, it’s important to consider various factors in the context of MTD’s water installation events:
-Large-scale events, such as those managed by MTD, may involve complex logistics and dependencies. Resource leveling could be challenging if certain tasks are time-sensitive or if there are fixed deadlines for specific aspects of the event.
-Resource leveling may impact these deadlines and could affect client satisfaction. It’s crucial to balance resource constraints with the need to meet client expectations.
-If the project has a degree of flexibility in terms of start and end dates, resource leveling may be more feasible without compromising critical milestones.
-If MTD has successfully implemented similar strategies in the past, it may be an indicator of feasibility.
Overall. we have to look at MTD’s water installations, the constraints that may occur, and the project objective. Resource levelling might be feasible, but we have to look at the unique characteristics of each project, the environmental factor, the industry trend and the clients expectation to be able to utilize resource levelling.
I agree with sunmisola point for MTD waters, resource leveling seem to be the best to be considered with the dynamics of MTD project, environment and stakeholders interest
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.
For me, in the case of MTD, Resource Smoothing is the better option. Especially since they work most of the time with Events which date has already been fixed.
They cannot let the end date slip. They can increase the scheduled resources and let the end date stay.
Reschedule or increase resources, Hold end date.
The end date must stay, so that they don’t disappoint their clients who has a date fixed for their event.
Major difference between resource smoothing and resource leveling are cost and time respectfully. Resource smoothing might cost more by increasing resources but delivers the project on or before deadline. While Resource leveling approach manages the available resource but may not meet up with the deadline.
Both resource smoothing and resource leveling are unpleasant scenario to the project sponsors because they might reevaluate the project scope. This is why is very important to always carry the sponsors along from inception, so they can support when uncertain challenge arise.
It is feasible to implement resource leveling approach on MTD water installation Glasgow event if the clients are willing to adjust project deadline rather than extra cost.
In the context of MTD’s water installation events company and the Glasgow event, I think applying a resource leveling approach is certainly a viable consideration. Resource leveling involves adjusting the project schedule to balance the demand for resources, ensuring a smoother and more consistent utilization of resources over time.
For MTD, which may have varying resource requirements during different phases of event planning and execution, resource leveling could help optimize resource usage and prevent periods of resource overloading or underutilization. This is particularly relevant in the dynamic and often unpredictable environment of event management. The feasibility of applying resource leveling depends on several factors such as the flexibility of task dependencies, the availability of alternative resources, and the overall project constraints.
Task Dependencies- If the tasks in the project have flexible dependencies and can be adjusted without affecting critical paths, resource leveling may be more feasible,
Resource Availability- The availability of alternative resources or the ability to shift resources between tasks can impact the feasibility of resource leveling. Project Constraints- Critical tasks with fixed deadlines or external dependencies may limit the extent to which resource leveling can be applied without affecting overall project timelines.
Flexibility in Scheduling-The nature of event management projects may require a degree of flexibility in scheduling, and resource leveling should be implemented without compromising the timely completion of critical tasks.
Hybrid Approach- A hybrid approach that combines elements of resource smoothing and leveling might be more practical. This allows for optimized resource utilization while maintaining flexibility in meeting project milestones. In some cases, critical tasks with fixed deadlines or dependencies may limit the extent to which resource leveling can be implemented without affecting project timelines.
Considering the complex nature of event management, where certain tasks may be time-sensitive or dependent on external factors, a hybrid approach that combines elements of both resource smoothing and leveling might be most practical. This would allow MTD to balance resource demands while maintaining the necessary flexibility to meet project milestones and deadlines.
I also think that resource levelling application to MTD’s projects should also be assessed based on the specific characteristics and constraints of the events before applying it.
in my opinion i think the resource leveling approach will work efficiently with the MTD water system because the project is not completely a complex one.