Perspective of Professionals on the Periodic Review of Contingency Levels in Construction Projects

Client organisations sometimes prescribe contingency levels that should be applied to their infrastructure projects. However, some clients do not have specified periods to review the prescribed contingency levels. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the views of experienced professionals on the recommended periodic review of contingency levels. A survey involving 53 respondents from client organisations was used to obtain data on recommended intervals for periodic reviews of contingency levels in client organisations. The findings reveal a strong consensus on the need for periodic contingency re-assessment, with 98% of respondents recommending reviews every six months or more frequently, aligning with cost-reporting cycles. This reflects a shift toward dynamic contingency management, where regular adjustments throughout the project lifecycle are seen as essential for effective risk and cost control. As projects are implemented in dynamic environments, clients are advised to establish an organisational policy to ensure regular periodic reviews of contingency practices.