Resource Leveling
DE: Ressourcennivellierung
Adjusting the schedule to balance resource demand with availability.
Detailed Explanation
Resource leveling is a technique in which start and finish dates are adjusted based on resource constraints to balance demand with available supply. It resolves resource over-allocation by delaying tasks until resources are available.
Resource leveling often extends the project schedule because it respects resource constraints that CPM ignores. A schedule that is feasible on paper (CPM) may require the same person in two places at once. Resource leveling resolves these conflicts at the cost of extending the timeline.
The technique is most critical when resources are shared across projects, when specialists cannot be substituted, or when team capacity is fixed. Modern scheduling tools like MS Project include automatic resource leveling algorithms.
Key Points
- Adjusts schedule based on resource constraints
- Resolves resource over-allocation by delaying tasks
- Often extends the project schedule beyond CPM duration
- Critical when resources are shared or specialists are scarce
- Differs from resource smoothing (which respects the end date)
- Automated in tools like MS Project
Practical Example
A project schedule shows Developer A assigned to two parallel tasks during weeks 3-4. Resource leveling delays Task B to week 5, extending the project by 2 weeks. The PM presents options to the sponsor: (A) Accept the 2-week extension, (B) Hire a contract developer for EUR 8K to avoid the delay.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Level resources after defining the critical path, not before
Distinguish resource leveling (may extend timeline) from smoothing (respects deadline)
Consider the cost of delay vs. cost of additional resources
Re-level whenever resource assignments change
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