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6 - PROJECT TIME MANAGEMENT

6.6.2.4 resource optimization techniques

Examples of resource optimization techniques that can be used to adjust the schedule model due to demand
and supply of resources include, but are not limited to:

• resource leveling. A technique in which start and finish dates are adjusted based on resource constraints
with the goal of balancing demand for resources with the available supply. Resource leveling can be used
when shared or critically required resources are only available at certain times, or in limited quantities,
or over-allocated, such as when a resource has been assigned to two or more activities during the same
time period, as shown in Figure 6-20, or to keep resource usage at a constant level. Resource leveling 6
can often cause the original critical path to change, usually to increase.

Activities Before Resource Leveling

Tom: 8 hrs
Activity A
Sue: 8 hrs
Start
Activity B Sue: 8 hrs

Activity C Tom: 8 hrs

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Tom: 8 hrs Tom: 8 hrs
Sue: 16 hrs

Activities After Resource Leveling

Tom: 8 hrs
Activity A
Sue: 8 hrs
Start
Activity B Sue: 8 hrs

Activity C Tom: 8 hrs

Day 1 Day 2 Day 3
Tom: 8 hrs Sue: 8 hrs Tom: 8 hrs
Sue: 8 hrs

Figure 6-20. resource Leveling

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©2013 Project Management Institute. A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK Guide) – Fifth Edition 179

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