HKSM

A scheduling approach that shifts activity start and finish dates so resource demand fits the available capacity, typically through methods such as resource leveling and resource smoothing.

Key Points

• Balances resource demand with actual availability to remove over-allocation.
• Common methods include resource leveling (may extend the schedule) and resource smoothing (keeps the end date by using float).
• Can affect the critical path and total project duration, depending on the method used.
• Applied iteratively during schedule development and control using resource calendars and constraints.

Example

A construction project has one crane available. The PM staggers steel placement activities so only one task needs the crane at a time. Noncritical tasks are moved within their float (smoothing); if conflicts remain, some tasks are pushed beyond float, extending the schedule (leveling).

PMP Example Question

A project manager adjusts several activities' start and finish dates so no team member or key tool is over-allocated relative to what is available. What technique is being applied?

1. Crashing
2. Resource optimization
3. Fast tracking
4. Bottom-up estimating

Correct Answer: B — Resource optimization technique

Explanation: Resource optimization modifies activity timing to match resource demand to available supply, typically using leveling or smoothing. It is not schedule compression (crashing or fast tracking) or an estimating method.