Resource Optimization Techniques for Schedule Model Adjustment

PMBOK v8 Definition

Resource optimization techniques are techniques in which activity start and finish dates are adjusted to balance demand for resources with the available supply. The two primary techniques are resource leveling and resource smoothing. Resource leveling adjusts the project schedule to optimize resource allocation and may affect the critical path. Resource smoothing adjusts activities so resource requirements do not exceed predefined limits without changing the critical path or delaying the completion date.

Why It Matters for the Exam

This concept appears frequently on the PMI exam in situational questions where resource constraints create schedule conflicts. You will see questions asking which technique to apply when resources are overallocated, when the critical path can or cannot be changed, and when project completion dates are fixed. Expect at least 2-3 questions on this topic in the Planning and Execution domains.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Resource Leveling Definition: Adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints to balance demand with supply; may change the critical path
• Resource Smoothing Definition: Uses free and total float to adjust activities; does not change the critical path and completion date is not delayed
• When to Use Leveling: Shared/critically required resources available only at certain times, limited quantities, overallocated resources assigned to multiple activities simultaneously, or need for constant resource usage
• When to Use Smoothing: Resources exceed predefined limits but critical path must remain unchanged; activities delayed only within their free and total float
• Key Limitation of Smoothing: May not be able to optimize all resources
• Critical Path Impact: This is the primary distinguishing factor—leveling changes it, smoothing does not
• Float Usage: Both techniques use float, but smoothing explicitly uses free and total float without affecting critical path

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager has two team members assigned to three activities during the same week. Resource availability shows both are overallocated. The project sponsor requires the project to finish on the original completion date. Which resource optimization technique should the project manager use?

Answer: Resource smoothing, because it does not change the critical path and does not delay the completion date.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing resource leveling with resource smoothing

• Reality: Leveling may change the critical path; smoothing does not change the critical path

• Trap: Thinking both techniques always optimize all resources

• Reality: Resource smoothing may not be able to optimize all resources; leveling also has limitations

• Trap: Assuming resource leveling always delays the project

• Reality: Leveling may affect the critical path (could extend or change it), but it does not guarantee delay

• Trap: Confusing resource optimization with schedule compression (crashing/fast tracking)

• Reality: Resource optimization adjusts existing resources; schedule compression adds resources (crashing) or overlaps activities (fast tracking) to shorten duration

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A project has a resource overallocation issue. The project manager cannot change the critical path. Which resource optimization technique should be used?

2. What is the key difference between resource leveling and resource smoothing regarding the critical path?

3. When a resource is assigned to two activities during the same time period, which technique is most appropriate if the completion date is flexible?

4. Can resource smoothing optimize all resources on a project? Why or why not?

5. What happens to the critical path when resource leveling is applied to a schedule?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 5.4.2.4 - Resource Optimization Techniques (Resource Leveling and Resource Smoothing)