HKSM

A resource optimization method that adjusts noncritical activities within their available free and total float to reduce resource peaks, without changing the critical path or project completion date.

Key Points

• Uses only free and total float; the critical path and finish date remain unchanged.
• Shifts start or finish dates of noncritical work to even out resource usage.
• Targets peak resource demand to keep it within defined limits or availability.
• Unlike resource leveling, it does not extend the schedule or alter the critical path.

Example

A designer is overallocated on two parallel tasks that are not on the critical path. Each task has 3 days of float. The PM moves one task 2 days later, staying within its float. The designer's workload is balanced, and the project finish date and critical path do not change.

PMP Example Question

A project manager wants to remove resource overallocations but must keep the project finish date and critical path unchanged. What technique should be used?

1. Delay noncritical activities within available float to reduce resource peaks
2. Extend the project duration to resolve resource conflicts
3. Crash critical path activities to free up resources
4. Fast track by overlapping critical path activities

Correct Answer: A — Resource smoothing

Explanation: Resource smoothing uses free and total float to fix overallocations without affecting the critical path or finish date; leveling can change both.