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
Discussion on comprehensive view on Resource overload. Using MTD water project and Glasgow event as a case study.
Looking at the MTD project and Glasgow event scenario, using Resource leveling as an approach will not work, because there was a fixed date for the Glasgow event and it can’t be shifted, therefore it’s better to go for the Resource smoothing approach, with this I will be able to meet up with the deadline, although will incurred more cost but its preferable to satisfy the Event owner than worry about the cost.
Akinmoye Segun Wilson …Cohort 13, Team 2
Resource levelling might not be applicable in the case of MTD water supply because there is a certain a deadline to be met by the company and take for instance, in a case where the water to be supplied is needed for an occasion, then automatically there is a fixed date for the occasion already and there is no way it can be shifted.
The only applicable means in this case is Resource loading. It might be more easy for the set of people or company MTD wants to supply water to add or foster extra cost in order to meet up with deadline than to be disappointed.
The MTD water installation project is anchored on the Glasgow event which is planned to start on a given date. Any adjustments in date of completion by MTD for the water project will impact on the event itself.
Resource leveling is better methodology to apply for MTD project as it cost effective. You have to manage what you have within the project lifetime despite project deadline change.
The MTD water installation project is anchored on the Glasgow event which is planned to start on a given date. Any adjustments in date of completion by MTD for the water project will impact on the event itself. As such, being a PM at MTD, my focus is to deliver before the start of the event therefore resource leveling might not achieve that as it has high probability of exceeding the dateline of the project delivery. Therefore I’d rather implement the resource smoothing approach, make a little adjustments in the planned budget and incurre some additional cost but stick to my planned date of project delivery. By this, I will not interrupt the main event of the project owner for which reason we are contracted the water project.
Basing on the scenario of Glasgow MTDs event, Resource leveling is not really applicable. It requires some degree of flexibility in time frames while in the scenario MTD Team had to move in some time before to establish unplanned approaches which might have resulted into change in planned costs. Thus, in this case resource smoothing would be the best approach rather.
Not feasible as resource leveling provides flexibility in adjusting project dates, while resource smoothing focuses on meeting time constraints.
Balancing workloads through resource leveling entails smoothing fluctuations in resource demand across the project timeline for MTD. This process involves distributing labor, equipment, and materials to prevent bottlenecks or overloads. By achieving this equilibrium, MTD can maintain a consistent and sustainable pace throughout the project.
Optimizing resource efficiency is a direct outcome of effective resource leveling for MTD. This approach enables the optimal utilization of available resources, including skilled personnel, equipment, and raw materials. By aligning resource deployment with project needs, MTD minimizes idle time and maximizes workforce and asset efficiency.
Furthermore, resource leveling serves as a risk mitigation strategy for MTD. By mitigating peaks in resource demand that could lead to burnout or delays, MTD enhances its ability to manage unforeseen challenges effectively. This proactive approach fosters a more resilient project timeline, reducing vulnerability to disruptions from external factors.
Resource leveling is better methodology to apply for MTD project as it cost effective. You ve to manage what you ve within the project lifetime despite project deadline change.
Resource leveling focuses on rescheduling and extending the project deadline which may be necessary in some cases when some inevitable circumstances occur, however one must be careful in this approach as it may lead to unnecessary extension of the project, abandonment and lack of follow up or supervision till the end
Although they apply different methodologies and emphasize different goals, both techniques aid in the efficient management of project schedules and resource utilization.they can be applied depending on the project sponsor and the delievering time.