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
One of the best approach should be resource levelling though it seems not easy to adjust the delivery date.
It is very possible to use a resource leveling approach given the flexibility in the project’s deadline.
Depending on when the project begins, it is possible to adopt resource levelling.
From my own point of view resource levelling might work in situations where resources are not enough and sponsors refuses to met up with terms. With adequate communication and negotiation days can be increased.
MTD is a water installation company which cater for water supply for mostly outdoor event, implementing a resource leveling approach might be tricky as they have fixed date for event.
resource leveling approach focuses of reschuduling with possible impact of project deadlines, they will only to use this approach if they have negotiated an ample no of days as they usually do to allow for testing and check to ensure quality service delivery. but if they dont have time for that they might have to settle for resource smoothing.
Implementing a resource levelling might be tricky as MTD have deadlines for events. So they can’t afford to do resource levelling as as deadlines will be affected which in turn can affect business.
MTD is a water installation company which cater for water supply for mostly outdoor event, implementing a resource leveling approach might be tricky as they have fixed date for event.
resource leveling approach focuses of reschuduling with possible impact of project deadlines, they will only to use this approach if they have negotiated an ample no of days as they usually do to allow for testing and check to ensure quality service delivery. but if they dont have time for that they might have to settle for resource smoothing.
Resource levelling approach involves balancing the work load on resources in order to allign resource usage with their avavailable capacity. So it will definitely be feasible to implement a water installation company and the glassglow events.
For MTD, the water installation events company, the most suitable approach would likely be resource leveling. This involves adjusting the schedule of tasks to balance the workload without changing the number of available resources. Since the company may have limitations on their resources, such as equipment and staff, resource leveling would help manage these constraints while still completing the project efficiently. However, it’s important to note that resource leveling may potentially affect deadlines, so MTD would need to carefully consider the trade-offs between resource availability and project timelines.
Resource leveling is all about optimizing the use of resources to make sure that everyone and everything is used efficiently
Yes, it would definitely be feasible for MTD to implement a resource leveling approach in this scenario. Here’s why:
In this case, it would help MTD ensure that its resources (water, labor, etc.) are used in the most efficient way possible to serve the needs of the event.
It would also help reduce to costs and ensure that the event is well-prepared and well-executed.
-MTD would need to do some careful planning and analysis to make sure that all of its
Now let’s talk about the specific benefits that MTD could gain from implementing a resource leveling approach:
– Lower costs: By optimizing the use of resources, MTD could reduce the costs associated with the event. This could include saving money on water, labor, equipment, and other expenses.
– Better event execution: With careful planning and monitoring, MTD could ensure that the event runs smoothly and efficiently. This would help create a positive experience for attendees and ensure that the event is a success.
– Increased customer satisfaction: By providing a high-quality event experience, MTD could increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
So to implement a resource leveling approach, MTD would need to do the following:
– Determine the availability of these resources during the time period of the event.
– Evaluate the demand for these resources during the event.
– Identify any potential bottlenecks or constraints that could impact the availability or demand for resources.
– Come up with a plan to optimize the use of resources based on the above analysis.
As far as MTD is concerned, being a company known for prompt project delivery, resource leveling won’t be the best option as there is a tendency for the delivery date to be extended.
In that wise resource smoothing allows the introduction of more experts and resources.