What does resource-leveling aim to balance?

Resource-leveling primarily focuses on balancing resource availability and demand. This process is crucial in project management as it aims to ensure that resources, such as personnel, equipment, or materials, are optimally utilized across the project timeline without overloading any particular resource.

When project tasks are scheduled, some resources may be over-allocated, potentially leading to delays and reduced efficiency. Resource-leveling adjusts the project schedule to align the demand for resources with their availability, which can involve pushing tasks to later dates to prevent resource conflicts. This balance helps maintain a smooth workflow, mitigates the risk of burnout among team members, and can also help to reduce costs if it prevents the need for overtime or hiring additional resources.

In contrast, focusing solely on the project timeline and budget, the quality of work and cost, or balancing stakeholder satisfaction and project completion does not encompass the specific objective of resource-leveling, which is fundamentally about managing the efficient use of resources.