Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Explanation
Resource leveling addresses situations where resources are over-allocated, meaning they are assigned to more work than they can handle within a given time period. The technique adjusts activity start and finish dates based on resource constraints, delaying activities as necessary to ensure no resource is overloaded. This process often uses the float of non-critical activities to resolve conflicts.
When non-critical activities have enough float to absorb the delay, resource leveling can be accomplished without extending the project duration. However, when critical path activities require leveling or when there is insufficient float, the project duration will increase. Resource leveling can change the critical path and create new critical paths that did not exist before.
Resource leveling is necessary when shared or critically needed resources are only available at certain times, when resources are over-allocated (assigned to multiple activities at the same time), or when the project manager wants to keep resource usage at a constant level. Unlike resource smoothing, leveling may extend the project duration because schedule constraints take a back seat to resource constraints.
Key Points
- •Adjusts the schedule to resolve resource over-allocation
- •May extend the project duration
- •Uses float to delay non-critical activities when possible
- •Can change the critical path
Exam Tip
Resource leveling can extend the project schedule because it prioritizes resource constraints over schedule constraints. Resource smoothing does not extend the schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Resource Smoothing
Resource smoothing is a resource optimization technique that adjusts activities within their available float so that resource requirements do not exceed predefined limits, without changing the project end date.
Develop Schedule
Develop Schedule is the process of analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model for project execution, monitoring, and controlling.
Float (Total Float and Free Float)
Total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed from its early start without delaying the project finish date. Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of any successor activity.
Critical Path
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project schedule network diagram that determines the shortest possible project duration.
Most-studied PMP concepts
High-yield topics our learners drill most before exam day.
Resource Smoothing
Resource smoothing is a resource optimization technique that adjusts activities within their available float so that resource requirements do not exceed predefined limits, without changing the project end date.
Burndown Chart
A Burndown Chart is a graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a Sprint or release, showing whether the team is on track to complete the planned work.
Risk Register
The risk register is a project document that records the details of individual project risks, including their identification, analysis results, response plans, and current status.
Stakeholder Mapping
Stakeholder mapping is the visual representation of stakeholder relationships, influence, interest, or other attributes using grids, matrices, or diagrams to support analysis and engagement planning.
Relative Estimation
Relative Estimation is an agile technique where work items are sized in comparison to each other rather than in absolute units like hours or days, providing faster and more accurate estimates.
Cost Performance Index (CPI)
Cost Performance Index (CPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures cost performance as the ratio of earned value to actual cost: CPI = EV / AC.
Schedule Performance Index (SPI)
Schedule Performance Index (SPI) is an EVM efficiency metric that measures schedule performance as the ratio of earned value to planned value: SPI = EV / PV.
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Earned Value Management (EVM) is a methodology that integrates scope, schedule, and cost data to assess project performance and progress objectively.
Power/Influence Grid
The power/influence grid is a stakeholder classification model that groups stakeholders based on their level of authority (power) and their active involvement or ability to affect the project (influence).
Part of
Schedule Management
Test your knowledge
Practice scenario-based questions on this topic with detailed explanations.