Resource Loading & Leveling

Resource Leveling: The "No Go" Area

Avoiding resource leveling because "it pushes the dates too far out" isn't just a mistake, itâ€™s a failure of professional responsibility.

Two Realities of Leveling

Correct Resource Loading

Without a mitigation plan, the Theory of Constraints dictates that resource availability will drive the finish date.

The Plannerâ€™s job is to present the loading, leveling, and constraints transparently so the team can make informed, data-driven decisions.

Incorrect Resource Loading

When loading is flawed, resource management becomes a blind "trial & error" exercise.

The result is a domino effect: planning system outputs become incorrect, reporting loses all value, and the project will inevitably fail.

ðŸš¨ Professional Red Flags

Some planners attempt to mask allocation issues through deceptive practices. These are not "shortcuts", they are professional failures that compromise project integrity.

Unrealistic Headcounts

Capturing fake resource numbers just to avoid being questioned on over or under-allocation.

Fake Relationships

Adding arbitrary logic links between activities purely to shift start and finish dates around.

Resource Leveling Concept — Are you controlling the schedule, or is the schedule pulling the strings?

Resource Loading & Leveling
Published 07 October 2020

Resource Leveling: The "No Go" Area

Two Realities of Leveling

Correct Resource Loading

Incorrect Resource Loading

ðŸš¨ Professional Red Flags

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