Oregon Construction Contractors (CCB) Practice Test

What do contingency times in project management help address?

1. Unexpected delays

2. Cost overruns

3. Resource allocation

4. Quality assurance

The correct answer is: Unexpected delays

Contingency times in project management serve as a buffer against unexpected delays. This concept is essential because construction projects often face unforeseen circumstances, such as adverse weather conditions, changes in material availability, or delays in subcontractor work. By incorporating contingency times into the project schedule, project managers can absorb shocks to their timeline without significantly derailing the entire project, allowing them to maintain control and stay on track towards the project's deadlines. While the other choices touch on important aspects of project management, they do not directly relate to the primary function of contingency times. For example, while cost overruns may occur and warrant planning, contingency times specifically focus on managing time-related uncertainties rather than financial aspects. Similarly, resource allocation pertains to the distribution and use of resources during the project, which is a separate concern from the timing implications addressed by contingency times. Lastly, quality assurance is about meeting the standards and requirements for the work being done, which does not incorporate the time factor that contingency measures specifically target. Thus, the correct answer highlights the vital role of contingency times in managing unforeseen delays within project management.