CHAPTER 24
Contingency Buffer: Expect the Unexpected
Contingency buffer, or contingency, is a designated period that is built into a plan to serve as extra time to help absorb unexpected delays. All projects should have contingency built into their project plans. How much is needed? Where should it be placed? How should it be used?
How Much Contingency Should a Project Have?
A poll asking 10 project managers “How much contingency should a project have?” may reveal 10 different answers. Of course, most answers will likely start with, “It depends.” It can depend on any number of factors, including:
- Skill and experience of the project members
- Availability of the project members
- Proven performance record of the project members
- State of the technology ...
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