Guide for Agile Estimation: Planning Poker
Planning Poker is an agile estimating and planning technique that aims to reach a group consensus in estimating tasks. It is a variation of the Wideband Delphi method using a deck of cards as a metaphor for points that are used in planning.
Importance:
Planning Poker is designed to combine several individual opinions into a single, collective best estimate. It's crucial aspect of Agile Project Management because it promotes healthy discussions, helps to avoid anchor bias and makes estimation more accurate.
How it works:
An initiator describes a user story for the team who asks questions for clarification. Each team member then privately selects a card representing their estimate of work effort required to complete that story, with card values being in the sequence of 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 20, 40 and 100. Once all estimates are in, cards are revealed with the aim to achieve consensus on effort estimation.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Planning Poker
1. Remember that Planning Poker is a consensus-based estimating approach applied specifically within Agile methodologies.
2. Focus on understanding the sequence of card values and why these specific values are used. (Hint: It's a Fibonacci sequence to reflect the uncertainty in estimating larger items).
3. From a procedural point of view, you should understand and describe each step in the Planning Poker process from the initiation to the final consensus.
4. Be prepared to discuss the benefits of Planning Poker such as avoiding anchoring, promoting discussions, and achieving more accurate estimates.
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Planning Poker practice test
Planning Poker is a consensus-based estimation technique where team members independently estimate effort or complexity of user stories by playing numbered cards. The deck represents the Fibonacci sequence, T-shirt sizes, or powers of 2. First, the product owner presents a user story, and after discussing it, each member selects a card representing their estimate. All cards are revealed simultaneously, and the outliers need to explain their rationale. Discussions help team members refine their understanding of the story, and the process is repeated until a consensus is established. Planning Poker promotes unbiased estimations, reduces groupthink, and uncovers hidden complexities or misunderstandings about the requirements.
Time: 5 minutes Questions: 5
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Agile Project Management Preparation Package (2024)
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- bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses