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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Resource levelling will not my preferred approach because of the fixed dateline, the game is starting in 2/ 3 days. Resource smoothing will be the preferred option to be able to meet the dateline for the start of the games.
Resource leveling approach will have impact on the effect on the deliveries of MTD in the case of timing.
As for MTD, resource levelling approach will impact the completion of the project within stipulated time. To meet up with stated time resource smoothing approach is better.
Considering the time constraint involved in the MTD project as a water installation company
MTD is a water installation company for events and each of their projects has a stipulated timing, hence resource levelling approach might not be suitable if adopted as it involves rescheduling of time frame due to limited resources which will invariably affect the project deadline. My priority as a PM is to ensure resources are allocated adequately and that it should not be overutilized or underutilized. This might result in slight changes to the planned budget and additional costs but customer satisfaction will be met and delivery of services will not exceed the expected time. This is what matters most to MTD clients.
Resource smoothing aims to balance resource utilization over time by adjusting the timing of non-critical activities, potentially resulting in a longer project duration. Resource leveling, on the other hand, focuses on redistributing tasks to eliminate resource overloads while maintaining the original project duration. Both techniques are crucial for effective resource management in project planning and execution.
I would recommend the implementation of resource leveling in this kind of project because certain factors needs to be consider like understanding the economic aspects involved
I will advice
Resource soothing. Although, cost may change but not resource levelling due to time.
with what resource levelling implies, implementing it in the case of the MTD project does not seem feasibe. noting that there are other activities that will commence after your own project makes it impossible for MTD to consider or adopt the resource levelling approach.
with what resource levelling implies, implementing it in the case of the MTD project does not seem feasibe. noting that there are other activities that will commence after your own project makes it impossible for MTD to consider or adopt the resource levelling approach.
As much as project timely delivery is important, more also, project cost controlling is essential.
Resource leveling will ensure timely delivery and reduce the chance of fluctuation and request for additional time.