Resource Leveling
Resource Leveling is a crucial concept in schedule network analysis that involves adjusting the project schedule to address resource constraints and conflicts. It aims to balance the demand for resources with the available supply, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently without over-allocation. Resource Leveling adjusts the start and finish dates of tasks based on resource availability, which may extend the project duration but results in a more realistic and achievable schedule. In practice, Resource Leveling is applied when multiple tasks are competing for the same limited resources at the same time. By analyzing the network diagram and resource calendars, project managers identify periods of resource over-allocation and adjust task schedules accordingly. This may involve delaying non-critical tasks within their float boundaries or extending the critical path if necessary. Resource Leveling helps in preventing resource burnout, reducing the risk of schedule delays due to resource shortages, and improving overall project execution. The technique ensures that resources are not assigned more work than they can handle at any given time, promoting a smoother workflow and higher productivity. It also aids in identifying resource bottlenecks and facilitates proactive planning to mitigate potential issues. While Resource Leveling may impact the project’s completion date, it leads to more feasible schedules and better resource management. It is particularly important in projects where resources are limited or shared across multiple projects. By incorporating Resource Leveling into schedule network analysis, project managers can achieve a realistic balance between project time constraints and resource availability, ultimately contributing to successful project delivery.
Resource Leveling in Schedule Network Analysis
What is Resource Leveling?
Resource leveling is a schedule network analysis technique used in project management to address resource allocation conflicts and overallocations. It adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints to balance resource demand with available supply.
Resource leveling modifies the project schedule to ensure that resource requirements do not exceed predefined resource limits. This technique may change the critical path and often extends the project end date.
Why is Resource Leveling Important?
Resource leveling is crucial because:
1. Prevents Overallocation: Ensures resources aren't assigned more work than they can handle
2. Optimizes Resource Usage: Makes efficient use of available resources
3. Provides Realistic Schedules: Creates achievable project timelines based on actual resource availability
4. Reduces Burnout: Prevents team exhaustion from overwork
5. Improves Quality: Proper resource allocation leads to better work quality
How Resource Leveling Works
The Process:
1. Identify Overallocations: Determine where and when resources are overallocated
2. Analyze Float: Examine activities with float (scheduling flexibility)
3. Delay Activities: Postpone non-critical activities within their float
4. Split Activities: Divide activities to allow resources to work on multiple tasks
5. Extend Durations: Lengthen activity durations to reduce daily resource requirements
6. Reassess Critical Path: Check if changes affected the critical path
Resource Leveling Techniques:
• Resource Smoothing: Adjusts activities within their float to create a smoother resource profile
• Resource Limited Scheduling: Constrains the schedule based on fixed resource limits, potentially extending project duration
Resource Leveling Heuristics (Rules of Thumb):
• Prioritize critical activities
• Level resources with the least float first
• Delay activities with the greatest float
• Split activities when possible
• Consider resource skills and substitutions
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Resource Leveling
1. Understand the Impacts: Remember that resource leveling typically extends the project schedule and may change the critical path
2. Identify Key Concepts: Be able to distinguish between resource smoothing (maintains end date) and resource-limited scheduling (may extend end date)
3. Recognize Triggers: Know that resource leveling is needed when resource histograms show overallocation
4. Remember the Trade-offs: Resource leveling often requires balancing between time, resources, and scope
5. Calculate Float Changes: Understand how leveling affects total float and free float
6. Know the Priority Rules: Understand which activities take precedence when leveling resources
7. Spot Resource Conflicts: Practice identifying resource conflicts in schedule networks
8. Apply Leveling Steps: Be familiar with the sequence of steps in resource leveling
9. Understand Terminology: Be clear on terms like "resource histogram," "resource limit," and "overallocation"
10. Know PMI-SP Perspective: For PMI-SP certification, focus on how resource leveling fits into overall schedule management
When answering exam questions, pay close attention to whether the question asks about the results of resource leveling, the process itself, or when it should be applied. The key is to recognize that resource leveling is about balancing resource supply with demand, even if it means extending the project schedule.
Go Premium
PMI Scheduling Professional Preparation Package (2025)
- 3429 Superior-grade PMI Scheduling Professional practice questions.
- Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
- Unlock Effortless PMI-SP preparation: 5 full exams.
- 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
- Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
- Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!