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Resource Levelling

5 minutes 5 Questions

Resource leveling is a project management technique used to examine unbalanced use of resources (usually people or equipment) over time, and for resolving over-allocations or conflicts. It is aimed at smoothing the distribution of resources, reducing both excess and scarcity. Resource leveling requires flexibility in the schedule to allow for rearrangement, and an understanding of task dependencies, not to contravene them when shifting resources.

Resource Levelling Guide

What is Resource Levelling?
Resource levelling refers to a process in project management in which the project manager strives to smooth out fluctuations in resource allocation for efficiency and optimization. This technique helps to align the demand for resources with the available supply.

Importance of Resource Levelling
Resource levelling is vital for preventing resource over-allocation, maximizing utilization, and mitigating the impact of resource constraints. It often results in a more realistic and achievable project schedule, and optimizes resource usage.

How Resource Levelling Works
Resource levelling typically involves the examination and adjustment of project schedules in a way that levels the rate of resource usage. This can be done by delaying tasks that don't have a direct impact on the project completion date, or by splitting tasks over extended periods.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Resource Levelling
Your responses should demonstrate a clear understanding of the purpose, process, and benefits of resource levelling. Highlight its role in preventing resource over-allocation, optimizing resource usage, and promoting efficient project execution. Be prepared to explain how resource levelling can be implemented in a hypothetical scenario, refer to delaying or prolonging activities as strategies, and discuss its impact on the project schedule.
Remember that the goal of resource levelling is not to shorten the project duration but to manage resources more effectively. Practice diagrams or graphical illustrations like the resource histogram to depict the process of resource levelling.

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CAPM - Project Resource Planning Example Questions

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Question 1

A construction project is facing resource overallocation. Temporary resources are unavailable for hire. What should the project manager do?

Correct Answer: Reschedule non-critical activities to reduce resource workload

Rescheduling non-critical activities to reduce resource workload is the best approach in this situation. In a scenario where a project is facing resource overallocation and temporary resources are not available for hire, the project manager needs to find ways within the existing setup to maintain the work load. By rescheduling non-critical activities, the manager can ensure resource availability for critical tasks. Continuing with the current schedule and assigning multiple tasks to resources can lead to resources being overworked which might impact quality and productivity. Asking the construction team to work weekends may not be legally or ethically viable, and might result in low morale and productivity. Terminating resource intensive activities may lead to a failure in delivering the project objectives.

Question 2

You are managing a software development project and notice that resources are overallocated. What resource leveling technique is the best to apply in this scenario?

Correct Answer: Delay the activities with float or greater flexibility

In project management, 'Resource leveling' is a technique used to resolve resource conflicts by delaying tasks by distributing the work evenly so that over-allocation of resources is avoided. The best technique to handle over-allocation is to adjust the start and end dates of tasks with 'float' or greater flexibility. Floating tasks are those tasks that can be delayed without delaying the project. This technique will allow for resources to be used more evenly, without negatively impacting the project timeline. The other options, decreasing the project scope, hiring more resources or compressing the project schedule, would either affect the project deliverables or increase the project costs, which are less desirable outcomes.

Question 3

As a project manager, you've noticed a constant pattern of overutilization of your project’s resources. It's seen that the resources allocated are the same as their maximum availability. How should you address this situation?

Correct Answer: Implement resource leveling, balance the demand and supply.

The best way to address the situation of overutilization of project resources is to 'Implement resource leveling, balance the demand and supply.' In this scenario, as a project manager, it would be wise to make optimal use of resources by leveling them. Resource leveling is a technique in project management that balances the demand for resources with the available supply. It helps to smooth out potential peaks and troughs in resource utilization, hence maximizing efficiency. Now, let's evaluate other answers to understand why they are incorrect. The option 'Increase the project's budget to hire more resources' is not the best solution, not all resource overutilization problems can be solved by just throwing more resources or money at them. Furthermore, additional resources also take time to recruit and train which can result in delays. The answer 'Overwork the resources to meet demand' is not a sustainable or ethical strategy. Overworking can lead to burnout, decreased productivity, and potential mistakes due to fatigue. Lastly, 'Doing nothing and hoping the problem solves itself' is never a good project management strategy. Problems rarely solve themselves and can often compound and cause major issues down the line.

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