I have a build on my upgrade list that I've realized got through by mistake and it now has a large number of resources towards it. If I cancel this build order will those resources be forfeited or will I retain them for that tick and only lose them if they are spoilage that tick?
If the bar chart for that order shows in blue, you won't lose them UNLESS you completely cancel the order. If you cancel it, they will be lost altogether.
If the resources allocated are just from this week, and you haven't gone through the tick yet, then you can cancel it and the resources will reallocate to any other upgrades you have.
Alternatively, you can drag any other updates above the one you don't want, again the resources will allocate to the highest priority upgrade - thats the one at the top of the list and working down, this way, even any resources allocated to it in previous weeks will be kept on that upgrade, with only this weeks resource being moved.
( My pm is always on if you need any more advice )