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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MTD deals with events, which by nature, have strict timelines. Unlike construction projects for example where some flexibility might exist, delaying water delivery at an event can significantly disrupt the schedule and negatively impact the experience for organizers and attendees. Resource leveling often involves adjusting project timelines to optimize resource usage, and in MTD’s case, this could mean pushing back water delivery or setup, causing problems.
Certain events, like concerts or conferences, have specific timeframes for water needs. Resource leveling might lead to stretching out these critical periods, impacting things like stage availability or venue access for setting up water infrastructure. This could lead to logistical nightmares and potentially even safety hazards.
Timely water delivery is crucial for the smooth running of an event. Resource leveling could lead to delays in setting up or refilling water stations, creating inconveniences for attendees and potentially impacting sanitation or health aspects of the event.
Apt!
Considering the MTD project cost, resource leveling is the most suitable for this as it will maintain the initial projects but would only affects the the deadline formerly scheduled compared to resource smoothing which can increase the cost capacity of the projects, hence affect the selling and marketing cost.
I think the first thing to look into before taking any consideration is the kind of project, the delicacy project. While resource smoothing may work very fine with some project, Resource levelling may not work on it.
In view of MTD, they had employed the use of Resource smoothing in one of the videos we watched , although the client covered the extra cost and the project had to go on as originally planned. While on the Glasglow incident, Resource smoothing is very much applicable as the situation was that of an emergency and the PM had to use those available to work on the Project.
Considering MTD water company, it may be feasible to consider resource leveling , NOT altering the existing resource capacity but instead rescheduling deadlines within Maximum Floating, which will have impact on project deadlines but delivering quality water and not leading to later cost which may be encountered due to non conformance
for Glasgow event company on the other hand due to the fixed duration and fixed floating time, in my opinion it is only imperative to consider Resource Smoothing maintaining original project deadlines while increasing project costs. because in this case i believe the client will value speed and time conformity.
Considering the reality that MTD may be a water company that handles occasions with settled date, Resource smoothing is appropriate which increments the extend taken a toll (This would be communicated to the extend sponsors)While guaranteeing the occasions hold as anticipated with any dissatisfaction.
Considering the MTD water project, resource leveling is a better option to execute such project as it will not increase project cost but reschedule project time and will still have a perfect result while managing project cost, instead of resource smoothing which aims to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
What the customer wants is a perfect project even if it passes deadline.
Considering the MTD water project, resource leveling is a better option to execute such project as it will not increase project cost but reschedule project time and will still have a perfect result while managing project cost, instead of resource smoothing which aims to maintain original project deadlines while increasing project costs.
I wouldn’t suggest employing the Resource Levelling method for the MTD water installation events and the Glasgow event. These projects have strict deadlines, and rescheduling them could significantly raise project costs. Instead, opting for Resource Smoothing would be prudent. While it may increase the overall project cost, bringing in additional or more skilled team members, or extending working hours through overtime, would help meet the planned deadlines without compromising on quality.
For the MTD water installation events and the Glasgow event, I will not recommend the Resource levelling approach, mainly because these projects’ deadlines are time sensitive and it would be a greater loss to have deadlines rescheduled but will advise they make use of resource smoothing either by adding new resources to hasten the project.
While resource levelling can be a valuable technique for optimizing resource utilization and balancing workload, its applicability in any project depends on various factors such as resource constraints, project duration, complexity, stakeholder expectations, and organizational practices. While it may not be suitable for every project, resource levelling can be applied effectively in many projects where resources are limited or shared among multiple tasks, and where project timelines allow for adjustments to resource allocation.
Basing on the scenario of MTD water installation, It is possible to apply resources levelling as it workable and effective in many project because the activities a defined at it stage having the deadline in mind.