Have you read any of the Theory of Constraints literature? Specifically about Critical Chain Project Management (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_chain_project_management)? Although originally a manufacturing framework, there is a lot that can apply to any major project or system. There is a lot of discussion about slack or unused capacity. When its good, when its bad, and where in the system it can best be applied.
Have you read any of the Theory of Constraints literature? Specifically about Critical Chain Project Management (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_chain_project_management)? Although originally a manufacturing framework, there is a lot that can apply to any major project or system. There is a lot of discussion about slack or unused capacity. When its good, when its bad, and where in the system it can best be applied.