Definition of Done
The Definition of Done (DoD) is an agreed-upon set of criteria that a user story must meet to be considered 'Done.' This ensures that all team members have a clear understanding of when a story is complete and ensures consistency in quality and alignment with the project goals. A DoD applies to all user stories and covers aspects ranging from coding, testing, documentation, reviews, and integration. As the project progresses, the DoD may be reviewed and any changes go through a shared understanding and agreement. Establishing a solid DoD helps teams increase their efficiency, minimizing rework and prevent them from moving to the next sprint with unfinished work or technical debt.
Guide: Definition of Done in Agile Project Management
Definition:
The 'Definition of Done' (DoD) is a clear and concise list of requirements that a software increment must meet to be considered complete. In the context of Agile Project Management, this means that the software increment is ready for release to the end user.
Importance:
DoD is important in Agile Project Management for several reasons. It provides a shared understanding of what 'done' means across the team, helping to manage expectations and prevent miscommunication. It helps the team to focus and guides them towards effective time management. It also ensures transparency about the status of work and minimises the risk of incomplete work.
How it works:
Each Agile team will have its own DoD, reflecting what 'done' means in their specific context. The DoD is agreed upon at the start of a project and evolves as the project progresses based on the team's learning and experiences. It can include items related to code completeness, testing, documentation, and product owner review.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Definition of Done:
Understanding and being able to explain the DoD is a key part of Agile Project Management exam questions. Here are some tips:
- Understand the definition and importance of DoD and relate it to principles of Agile.
- Use real-world examples to explain how DoD is determined and implemented in an Agile team.
- When answering scenario-based questions, use clear and concise language, and directly link your response to the unique requirements of the given scenario.
- Remember to explain how the DoD evolves over time and consider discussing the potential difficulties and strategies for agreeing on a DoD within a team.
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