6.
3 Resource Leveling
6.1 Expediting a Project
Expediting a project means speeding up its timeline when needed. This can involve reallocating
resources, changing schedules, or adjusting processes to finish the project faster. Although it
might increase costs or risks, it’s sometimes necessary to meet tight deadlines or handle
unexpected challenges.
6.2 Resource Loading
Resource loading is the process of assigning resources to tasks within a project over a set
period. It involves creating a chart that shows how resources are spread across tasks and
timelines. This helps ensure resources are used efficiently and makes it easier to spot any
overuse or shortages.
6.3 Resource Leveling
Building on resource loading, resource leveling is a method used to fix resource overallocations
by adjusting task schedules. The goal is to match resource demand with availability, making sure
no resource is overburdened. While it may change the project timeline, it helps maintain a
manageable workload for resources.
In project management, "leveling" means adjusting the project schedule to make sure resources
are used efficiently and evenly, without overloading or underusing them.
When managing multiple projects with limited resources, leveling helps balance the demand for
resources across tasks or projects to prevent bottlenecks.
*A bottleneck is a point in a process or system where the flow of work is slowed down or
stopped due to a limitation in resources, time, or capacity. In project management, bottlenecks
might occur when one task or resource is overloaded or when there is a delay in one part of the
project, preventing the rest of the work from moving forward smoothly.
Resource leveling involves adjusting the start and finish dates of tasks based on
resource availability.
It ensures that no resource is over-allocated, which can lead to burnout or delays.
It aims to achieve a smooth and balanced distribution of workload across resources to
make the most of their capacity without exceeding it.
So, in simple terms, leveling is about finding the right balance to ensure resources are used
effectively over time.
Connecting Expediting, Loading, and Leveling:
o Expediting can create urgency, leading to the need for resource loading to
ensure critical tasks are handled efficiently.
o Resource loading helps identify if resources are overloaded, which then calls for
resource leveling.
o Resource leveling resolves these issues by redistributing tasks or adjusting
schedules to avoid resource conflicts while maintaining project timelines.
In Resource Loading/Leveling uncertainty
Resource Loading:
The manager starts by figuring out how to assign resources (like people or equipment) to tasks
in the project. This helps visualize where resources are needed and when. By making a resource
loading chart, the manager can see if any resource is given too much work or not enough,
making it easier to adjust accordingly.
Resource Leveling:
Once the manager spots over-allocations (too much work for a resource), they use resource
leveling to fix it. This means adjusting schedules, moving tasks around, or changing deadlines so
that no one is overworked. The goal is to make sure work is spread out evenly and everyone has
a manageable workload.
Uncertainty Considerations:
The scenario also talks about how unexpected events (like changes in the project, absences, or
equipment problems) can mess up the resource plan. The manager needs to stay flexible, keep
track of resource usage, and adjust the plan as things change.
Resource Loading Chart:
Purpose: This chart is used to visualize how resources are allocated across tasks and
time within a project. It shows the amount of work or effort required for each resource
(e.g., personnel, equipment) over time.
What it Shows:
o Resource names (e.g., team members or equipment) listed on the vertical axis.
o Time periods (e.g., weeks, months) listed on the horizontal axis.
o The chart visually represents how much of each resource is assigned to tasks
during each time period.
EXAMPLE OF A RESOURCE LOADING CHART
What is it used for?
Main Functions:
Spotting Over-Allocations:
The chart helps the project manager see if any resource has too much work, which could cause
delays or burnout.
Spotting Under-Allocations:
It also shows if any resource is not being fully used, allowing the manager to reassign tasks for
better efficiency.
Adjusting the Schedule:
By reviewing the chart, the manager can adjust the schedule, extend deadlines, or redistribute
tasks to make sure workloads are balanced.
In short, the Resource Loading Chart is a tool that helps the manager keep track of resources
and make sure the project runs smoothly.
Line Balancing (Meredith and Shafer) vs. Resource Leveling
Line Balancing: Focuses on making sure that work is evenly spread across the team to
prevent any delays or overwork.
Resource Leveling: More about smoothing out work over time to avoid overloading
anyone during any given period.
What is Line Balancing?
In manufacturing and production, line balancing refers to the process of distributing tasks
evenly across different workstations (or resources) so that each workstation has roughly the
same amount of work. This ensures that no part of the production process becomes a
bottleneck or is left idle, leading to a more efficient workflow.
How Does Line Balancing Apply to Project Management?
In project management, line balancing can be used in a similar way to resource leveling. The
idea is to distribute tasks across resources (like team members or equipment) so that no one is
overburdened or underutilized. It helps smooth out the workload, especially when managing
multiple projects or large teams.
1. Distribute Workload Evenly
Make sure that no one is given too much work, and no one is left with nothing to do.
This keeps things fair and balanced. If some people have too much work, they might get
overwhelmed. If others have too little, they’re underused.
Example: If one team member has too many tasks and another has too few, balance
things out by shifting tasks.
2. Prevent Bottlenecks
A bottleneck happens when one person or resource gets overloaded, which slows down
the whole project.
If one task or person is taking too long, it can hold up the whole project. Balancing the
workload helps avoid these slowdowns.
Example: If one person is handling the most important task and getting behind,
redistribute some of the work to others to keep things moving smoothly.
3. Optimize Resource Utilization
Make sure every resource (like a team member) is used to their full potential, without
being underworked or overworked.
If someone is really good at something but isn’t given enough work, you're wasting their
skills. Line balancing makes sure everyone's skills are used effectively.
Example: If a highly skilled team member is being underused, give them more complex
tasks to make full use of their abilities.
4. Align with Project Timelines
Keep the project on track by adjusting work assignments based on how tasks are
progressing.
If a task is falling behind, you can shift resources to help it catch up, ensuring the whole
project stays on schedule.
Example: If one task is delayed, move people from tasks that are ahead of schedule to
help speed it up.
Real-World Example:
If you're managing a team of designers, you'd assign the more experienced designers the
complex tasks, while giving simpler tasks to the less experienced ones. This keeps the workload
even and ensures the project moves forward without anyone being overloaded.
Line balancing is all about ensuring that everyone is working at a steady pace, not overloaded
or underworked. It helps keep the project running smoothly and ensures work is distributed in
the best way possible.
Conclusion to Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a vital technique in project management that ensures resources are used
efficiently and evenly across tasks. By adjusting project schedules and workloads, it helps
prevent overburdening resources and maintains a sustainable pace throughout the project.
While it may lead to changes in the project timeline, the ultimate goal is to ensure balanced
resource utilization, minimize delays, and reduce the risk of burnout. This technique helps
project managers create a smoother, more realistic plan, leading to more successful and
manageable project execution.
