Margins & Contingencies

Question 1

Define Margin:

Answer 1

The difference between the maximum possible value and the maximum expected value. (between allowed limit and required value)

Question 2

Define Contingency:

Answer 2

The difference between the current best estimate and maximum expected value.

Question 3

As a design matures the estimate of any technical resource generally _____.

Answer 3

Grows

Question 4

Contingency accounts for ____ _____.

Answer 4

Expected Growth

Question 5

Margins account for ____ _____.

Answer 5

Unexpected Growth

Question 6

Formulae: Contingency

Answer 6

contingency/(max expected - contingency)
Also equivalent to:
contingency/(current best estimate)

Question 7

Formulae: Margin

Answer 7

margin/(max possible - margin)
Also equivalent to:
maximum expected value

Question 8

Adjust contingency _____ for high uncertainty.

Answer 8

upward

Question 9

Adjust contingency ____ for low uncertainty

Answer 9

downward

Question 10

List example of a consumable contingency:

Answer 10

Mission duration variability, space env

Question 11

List example of a qualification contingency:

Answer 11

Load criteria for a factor of safety

Question 12

List some resources that use contingency:

Answer 12

Power
Delta V
Safety
Cost
Schedule