Is resource leveling bad for the project?

Question

In today's session of our project management course, the teacher stated that resource leveling is bad, especially if done after the project is started, because it alters the schedule (and apparently in MS project the algorithm for the leveling does not work as expected), and pushes forward the finish date.

What do experienced project managers think about resource leveling? Is it bad and should it be avoided as my teacher stated?

Answer 1

I think resource leveling is the sign of a bad project manager: why did you have over-allocated resources in your project in the first place if the initial project schedule wasn't balanced?

I don't think it should be avoided, in fact, it should be done, especially if you can't throw in more resources to absorb the over-allocation. Yes, it will lengthen the project, and maybe it will increase the costs (especially if over-time is not paid), but I don't see any other solution.

If you fail to level the resources in your project, then be prepared for the following:

- Low productivity because of the exhausted resources
- A much more lengthier project (lengthier than if you applied the leveling) than initially planned because of the low productivity
- Increased direct costs because of the project is just taking more time
- And, most importantly, your resources may reach a point where they may resign.