To create, view, and export contingency solutions, you will
use a special dashboard available for use only with projects in the Estimation
stage. Contingency solutions are unique, in that they cannot be added to a
project’s solution log or viewed outside of this specially designed dashboard.
There is another way contingency solutions are unique. Unlike regular
estimation solutions (which should reflect your expected productivity, estimated
final size, and staffing), contingency solutions are generally NOT based on
typical or expected values for these metrics. Rather, they reflect
buffered estimation inputs and contain additional management reserve in
the form of additional time and effort. Remember: the current solution
should be a realistic and achievable work plan.
Contingency solutions are designed to provide
risk-buffered values you can commit to, with a reasonable amount of
management reserve built-in. They are not work plans! Once you have
created a contingency solution you’re happy with, you can export Contingency
charts and reports to PDF, PowerPoint, or Excel for further analysis, electronic
data exchange, or printing.
To use the Contingency Dashboard well, it is important to have a basic understanding of the differences between Fixed Percentage vs. Target Probability profiles and become familiar with Contingency charts and reports.