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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Resources leveling implementation will be a suitable approach for MTD water project and the Glasgow project, resource optimisation can be applied over time by striking a balance between the available resources and the demand by the project managers.
The best approach for MTD water project and Glasgow project will certainly be Resources leveling implementation, project managers can rely on resource optimisation over time by striking a balance between the resources available and the demand.
Resources leveling implementation is the most suitable approach for MTD water project and the Glasgow project, project managers can leverage on resource optimisation over time by striking a balance between the available resources and the demand. The following most be taken into consideration, the periodic event in the case of MTD limited timing various steps must be taken to meet up. Resources availability and task preorietization
Implementation of resource levelling might just be the best option for the MTD water installation project and the Glasgow project as resources might be far reaching and limited and if a resource smoothing approach is employed, it means having extra overhead expenses that weren’t budgeted for in the scheme of things when the project costs were being outlined. So it will be in the best interest of the MTD water installation Project and Glasgow to not change the existing or current capacity but focus on rescheduling which will definitely impact on intended project deadlines by having to extend the given period of time but on the long run save costs
Though difficult, it might still be possible with good organisation and coordination to implement a resource levelling strategy MTD water installation firm that works within set durations established by athletic events. Through the use of resource levelling, project managers can optimise resource utilisation over time by striking a balance between resource availability and demand.
To apply resource levelling in this case, take into account the following:
Periodic Events: Given that MTD is limited by the periodic schedules of athletic events, the project’s critical path is probably well-defined. In order for the planned events to happen on time, various tasks need to be finished by a given date.
Material Availability: Determine which essential materials are needed for water installations and make sure they are accessible when needed.
Sorting jobs according to priority and effect on the project timeline should be done in a clear and concise manner. By doing this, resources can be better directed towards important tasks that need to be finished on schedule.
While raising the project cost, resource smoothing focuses on maintaining the scheduled deadline. While resource levelling focuses on scheduling changes that may affect the project deadline, it does not alter the current capacity.
Implementing a resource leveling approach MTD water installation company that operates within fixed timeframes determined by sporting events can be challenging but may still be feasible with careful planning and coordination. Resource leveling is a project management technique used to balance resource demand with resource availability, optimizing the use of resources over time.
Here are considerations for implementing resource leveling in this scenario:
Fixed Timeframes: Since MTD is constrained by the fixed timeframes of sporting events, the critical path of the project is likely well-defined. This means that certain activities must be completed within specific deadlines to align with the scheduled events.
Resource Availability: Identify the critical resources required for water installations and ensure that they are available when needed. This may involve coordinating with suppliers, contractors, and other stakeholders to secure necessary resources within the fixed timeframe.
Prioritization of Tasks: Clearly prioritize tasks based on their importance and impact on the overall project schedule. This helps in focusing resources on critical activities that must be completed on time.
I do not agree that resource levelling would be a good approach considering the fact that the project stages by MDT are overlapping. A phase is expected to be completed before another.
Levelling might alter the process of the project.
What can be done is to add more resources or replace resources in other to attain efficiency quality requirements.
Resource leveling would not be appropriate for MTD project because extending the project date holds no benefit to MTD or its client. This is based largely on the fact that MTD projects have a very fixed timeframe which is determined by the dates that the sporting events take place which have been planned sometimes years in advance.
The only plausible approach is resource smoothing, allocating more resources to project to ensure that the end date is kept.
Resource leveling involves adjusting the project schedule to balance the demand for resources, ensuring a smoother and more consistent utilization of resources over time which can work well with the MDT project
Resource leveling is best suited for a long-term term project for the rescheduling of timeline would not after the project deliverable.