Resource Optimization Techniques in Schedule Management

PMBOK v8 Definition

Resource optimization is a technique in which activity start and finish dates are adjusted to balance demand for resources with the available supply. Two primary resource optimization techniques exist: resource leveling and resource smoothing. Resource leveling adjusts the project schedule to optimize resource allocation and may affect the critical path. Resource smoothing uses free and total float without affecting the critical path. These techniques fall under the Schedule Management Knowledge Area within the Planning Process Group.

Why It Matters for the Exam

Resource optimization questions appear frequently on the PMI exam, particularly in situational questions where the project manager faces resource constraints, overallocation, or limited resource availability. The exam tests your ability to distinguish between resource leveling and resource smoothing, especially regarding their impact on the critical path and project completion date. Expect 2-3 questions on this topic in most exam forms.

Key Points to Remember (for the exam)

• Resource Leveling: Adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints; may change the critical path
• Resource Smoothing: Adjusts activities using free and total float; does not change the critical path
• When to use Resource Leveling: Shared or critically required resources available only at certain times, limited quantities, overallocated resources (assigned to two or more activities simultaneously), or need to keep resource usage constant
• When to use Resource Smoothing: Resource requirements must not exceed predefined limits; completion date cannot be delayed
• Key Difference: Resource leveling uses available float and can delay completion date; resource smoothing uses float without delaying completion date
• Critical Path Impact: Resource leveling may change the critical path; resource smoothing does not change the critical path
• Limitation of Resource Smoothing: May not be able to optimize all resources

Typical PMI Exam Example

A project manager discovers that a key engineer is assigned to two activities occurring simultaneously during week 3. The project schedule has 5 days of total float on the critical path. The project manager applies resource leveling to resolve the overallocation. Result: The critical path changes, and the project completion date is extended by 2 days.

PMI Exam Traps

• Trap: Confusing resource leveling with resource smoothing

• Reality: Resource leveling may change the critical path; resource smoothing never changes the critical path

• Trap: Thinking resource leveling always delays the project

• Reality: Resource leveling may change the critical path but does not always delay completion; it optimizes resource allocation

• Trap: Assuming resource smoothing can resolve all resource constraints

• Reality: Resource smoothing may not be able to optimize all resources; it only works within available float

• Trap: Confusing resource optimization with resource planning

• Reality: Resource optimization adjusts the schedule; resource planning determines approach to ensure sufficient resources

Important PMI Connections

Quick Review Questions

1. A project manager has a resource who is overallocated across two activities. The project completion date cannot be delayed. Which resource optimization technique should be used, and why?

2. During resource leveling, what happens to the critical path, and what is the potential impact on the project completion date?

3. A resource is only available during specific weeks of the project. The project manager adjusts activity dates to match this availability, and the critical path changes. Which technique was applied?

4. What is the primary limitation of resource smoothing when applied to a project with multiple resource constraints?

5. A project has 10 days of total float on the critical path. The project manager uses resource smoothing. Will the critical path change? Will the completion date be delayed?

PMBOK v8 Reference

Section 6.5.2.3 - Resource Optimization Techniques