Resource Leveling
A resource balancing approach that modifies the project timeline to align work with resource availability, which can shift activity dates and potentially change the critical path. Related to resource optimization techniques and resource smoothing.
Key Points
- Used to resolve resource overallocations and conflicts by balancing demand with availability.
- Adjusts activity start/finish dates based on resource limits; project duration may increase.
- Can alter the critical path or create new critical paths.
- Applied after creating a CPM schedule, especially when key resources are limited or constrained.
Example
A software project has only two senior testers, yet several testing tasks are scheduled to run at the same time. The PM levels the testers by delaying some testing activities and resequencing work, which pushes the finish date and changes the critical path but avoids overallocating the testers.
PMP Example Question
To address multiple activities competing for the same limited equipment, the PM delays some tasks and accepts a possible extension of the project duration. What technique is being used?
- Resource smoothing
- Crashing
- Resource leveling
- Fast tracking
Correct Answer: C — Resource leveling (balancing work with limited resources)
Explanation: Resource leveling adjusts the schedule to fit resource availability and can extend the timeline or change the critical path, unlike smoothing, which aims to stay within the existing dates.
