Cumulative Flow Diagram
A cumulative flow diagram (CFD) is a visual representation of the flow of work within a project over time. It is used in Agile project management to track the progress and status of tasks throughout the various stages of the development process. The diagram is composed of colored bands that represent each stage (e.g., backlog, development, testing). The width of the bands provides insights into potential bottlenecks and work item progress, while the overall shape of the diagram helps identify trends and assess workflow efficiency. By reviewing and analyzing CFDs, teams can optimize their processes and ensure that work is flowing smoothly.
Guide: Cumulative Flow Diagram in Agile Project Management
The Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD) is an essential tool used in Agile Project Management methodologies. It portrays the progress of work items during various stages of the project lifecycle.
Why is it Important:
- It offers visual tracking of the project status and progress, helping identify issues such as bottlenecks and scope creep early.
- It enables teams to understand how effectively they’re working and can help predict project delivery in a consistent manner.
What it is:
A CFD is a stacked area chart that shows the amount of work in different stages of the workflow during a certain time frame. Each band in the diagram represents a stage (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done) and the width of the band indicates how long tasks stay in a particular stage.
How it Works:
The CFD tracks the total number of tasks at each stage of the project. The horizontal axis represents time whilst the vertical axis represents the cumulative number of tasks. By analysing the trends and patterns in the diagram, teams can understand workflow efficiency and identify potential issues.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Cumulative Flow Diagram
- Understand the definitions and general principles of the CFD.
- Practice interpreting CFDs and be aware of what different shapes and trends indicate.
- Be prepared to discuss how a CFD can be used to identify problems and improve project workflow.
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