On scheduling and contingency

Our group has a question about the scheduling aspect of the 3rd assignment. If for instance, the project duration is calculated to be say 25 days, then does the scheduled delivery date always incorporate a few extra days say 5 days to take into account contingencies? This would mean the delivery date will be 30 days from project start. Is this what is done in real projects and is it appropriate to do this in the assignment?

It's a common real-world practice, and therefore is welcome in the assignment. However, you should be aware of the implications. Sometimes schedules can grow uncontrollably because of "Padding". Be careful that a reader of the plan can see the effect, and is capable of deciding, based on what you tell them, whether the amount is reasonble.

Thanks to Students S(1), K, N, P, B and S(2).