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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Timing is an important factor and therefore resource smoothing is advantageous over resource levelling.
Opting for resource leveling may not be advisable; instead, a resource smoothing approach is recommended. This entails ensuring that members with the necessary resources from the office are available to address challenges promptly, thereby meeting deadlines and ensuring customer satisfaction. However, it’s important to note that this approach might increase the cost of production.
Here, in regards to timing and prompt delivery, I’ll rather that resource smoothing should be opted for which is the ideal thing to do here as this will help save face and reputation.
The advantages of resource smoothing include.
-It prevents missed deadlines
-It maximizes resource utilization
Thank you!
Considering the timing of the project, Resource Smoothing will be the best approach over Resource Levelling.
Resource levelling will not be the best approach here because of the starting date and finishing date of the project,in that case I will suggest resource Smoothing because of the timing of the project.
Resource leveling will ensure timely delivery and reduce the chance of fluctuation and request for additional time.
“‘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”.
As regards MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event. I will suggest the resource smoothing as the solution. This is due to the fact that resource smoothing tends to maintain the original deadline for the project but at a higher cost. The event date has been fixed and altering the date will not make sense. Hence the need to add extra “experts” to meet the deadline.
The advantages of resource smoothing include.
-It prevents missed deadlines
-It maximizes resource utilization
Resource levelling helps to maintain the project deadline but increase the available resources and manpower. It doesn’t alter the project resources as in the case of MTD the water installation event, resource levelling might be possible cause it won’t affect the project deadline and the scope of the project though just additional resources will be added.
Resource scheduling focuses on preserving planned deadlines but increasing project cost. Did to the peculiarities of the MTD project, I will go for resource scheduling, with my negotiation prowess, I will get the non-confirming cost to execute the project perfectly
In the aspect of the MTD water project, I wouldn’t advise using resouce leveling because of the timeline. The stakeholders may not be willing to spare time but rather open to using more resources as long as its within timeline.
The best practice for MTD Glasgow water project would definitely be resource smoothing that focuses more on preserving planned project duration and its deadline.
Resource leveling is what I will go with because of the deadline it will have effect on delivery