Padding is extra time added to work estimates or schedules. Some might call it a cushion that is added to estimates when project managers do not feel confident in their work estimates.
The truth is padding negatively impacts projects.
- Padding hinders the ability to develop realistic schedules
- Padding artificially inflates the project costs
- Padding undermines the professional responsibility to develop accurate schedules and budgets
The fact is padding estimates is not sanctioned by the PMI and most other project management organizations.
So how can you add time to a schedule without padding work estimates. Here are a few alternatives:
3 Point Estimates
The PERT 3-point weighted estimate is an easy and perhaps the best way to provide a schedule cushion. See our post on 3 Point Estimates
Analogous Estimates
Analogous estimating uses actual or historical data of a project with similar activities as the basis for the new project estimate. See our post on Analogous Estimates
Buffers
Adding a buffer, contingency, or management reserve is an easy way to inject time into a project schedule without padding work estimates. Simply add a line item in the Gantt chart with the title of contingency or management reserve.