What is Resource Leveling and when would you use it?

• A. To smooth resource usage by delaying tasks to balance demand and avoid overallocation
• B. To optimize schedule to maximize resources usage
• C. To accelerate critical path tasks
• D. To estimate costs

Answer: (A)

Resource leveling is about adjusting the project schedule to make resource use feasible by smoothing demand and avoiding overallocation. It works by delaying activities within their available slack so that no resource is overcommitted in any period. You’d use this technique when resources are scarce or overused—for example, when multiple tasks need the same specialist at the same time—so you can balance the workload without exceeding capacity. Keep in mind, leveling can extend the project duration if needed to achieve this balance, and it focuses on feasibility of resource use rather than speeding up the schedule, maximizing resource usage, or estimating costs.