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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One of the selling point of a PM is meeting deadlines. For a renowned company like MTD, it won’t speak well of such a reputable company to shift or change the delivery date. It could tarnish their reputation. Rather, resource smoothing approach is more appropriate.
In my opinion, resource levelling will work perfectly. Considering there flexibility in the delivery time and rigidity of the project budget.
MTD cannot implement the resource leveling approach because they deal with events and events have dates and timelines, and MTD cannot afford to make their clients uncomfortable or shift their time. So they will have to use resource smoothing approach to deliver within scope and on time.
Certainly resource smoothing is the best for MTD as it was rightly done in the case of infected material, they had to use out of the standby buffer. The deadline must be met without compromise on quality.
Certainly resource smoothing is the best for MTD as it was rightly done in the case of infected material, they had to use out of the standby buffer. The deadline must be met without compromise on quality.
MTD wouldn’t be able to use resource levelling as it directly impacts the time taken for quality eater to be delivered at the venue. Being a lobal event of that magnitude, the dates cannot be postponed. So, they can work on resource smoothing or modifying the scope of work to reduce the water quantity/or water points at the venue.
I think your approach should be based on the clients and stake holders expectations. For example if the clients would agree to a slight change in deadline then you can use the levelling approach? but if they insisted on the same deadline then you can use the resource smoothing approach but you can make them understand the situation involved in this particular approach which offcourse involves an extra cost.. so by so doing you keep the ball in their court to decide.
In the context of MTD, the water installation events company, and the Glasgow event, resource leveling could potentially be applied to manage resources effectively. Resource leveling involves adjusting the schedule of activities within a project to ensure that resources are allocated evenly and efficiently over time, without exceeding resource constraints. This approach aims to avoid peaks and valleys in resource utilization, leading to a smoother and more balanced workload distribution.
For MTD, which is involved in organizing water installation events, resource leveling could help in optimizing the allocation of resources such as manpower, equipment, and materials throughout the various stages of event planning, preparation, and execution. By identifying resource bottlenecks and adjusting schedules accordingly, MTD can prevent overloading certain resources while others remain underutilized.
However, it’s essential to consider the specific circumstances and constraints of the Glasgow event as well as MTD’s overall project portfolio. Factors such as budget limitations, resource availability, project deadlines, and stakeholder expectations will influence the feasibility and effectiveness of resource-leveling. MTD would need to conduct a thorough analysis of its resources, project timelines, and priorities to determine the best approach for resource management, whether it involves resource leveling, resource smoothing, or a combination of both strategies.
Ultimately, the goal should be to optimize resource utilization, minimize disruptions, and ensure the successful execution of the Glasgow event while maintaining alignment with MTD’s overall business objectives and customer satisfaction.
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.
An exemplary illustration lies in the assessment of expansive infrastructure endeavors such as railway systems. These undertakings frequently encounter the need for rescaling owing to escalating costs, leading to substantial deviations from their initial blueprints. The ramifications of these alterations can extend to the client and a diverse array of stakeholders, potentially culminating in missed prospects for future engagements.