I have a (new) PMO issuing a Good Scheduler Practices instruction prohibiting the use of any form of explicit delay allowance or time buffer in our project schedules on the basis that it only extends the project duration and / or confuseres the crical path.
Also, no use of any Start as Late as Possible activity logic.
Am in the electricity distribution industry and projects usually take 4 - 5 years with critical path running through network planning, site aquisition, building design, construction, electrical (power distribution) fitout, and commissioning. Other activity streams include (power systems) electrcial & mechanical design, equipment procurment, transmission mains design & construction, low voltage power distribution (to end users)
Most work is carried out in-house - exceptions are building design & construction. Work load has doubled over past two years and has major labour resource constraints.
Have around 200 projects in play at any given time.
What are your thoughts on use of time contingencies
- included in every activity
- as delay or buffer etc in streams of activities / milestones
- at end of minor or major phase
- at project end
Andrew