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Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)

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Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization model used to sequence work items (such as requirements, features, or tasks) to maximize economic benefit. Rooted in lean manufacturing principles, WSJF is particularly effective in Agile development environments and is widely used in frameworks like SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)The WSJF formula is calculated by dividing the Cost of Delay (CoD) by the job size (or duration):WSJF = Cost of Delay / Job SizeCost of Delay represents the economic impact of not delivering a requirement, considering factors like user/business value (the benefit gained from the requirement), time criticality (urgency due to deadlines or market windows), and risk reduction/opportunity enablement (how the requirement mitigates risk or enables new opportunities). Job size is an estimate of the effort or time required to complete the requirementBy quantifying both the urgency (through Cost of Delay) and the effort (through Job Size), WSJF helps prioritize requirements that deliver the highest value in the shortest time. This approach ensures that resources are focused on work that offers the greatest economic return promptlyImplementing WSJF involves:1. Estimating Cost of Delay for each requirement by scoring user/business value, time criticality, and risk reduction/opportunity enablement2. Estimating Job Size, typically using relative sizing techniques common in Agile methodologies3. Calculating the WSJF score for each requirement4. Sequencing requirements from highest to lowest WSJF score for implementationWSJF promotes objective decision-making by relying on quantifiable estimates rather than subjective judgments. It encourages breaking down large requirements into smaller, more manageable pieces, facilitating faster delivery of value and increased adaptability to changeChallenges with WSJF include the difficulty of accurately estimating Cost of Delay and Job Size, and the potential for bias if stakeholders overstate values. It's essential to calibrate scoring scales and ensure consistency in estimation practicesOverall, WSJF is a powerful tool for balancing the need to deliver high-value requirements quickly while effectively managing limited resources. It aligns work with business priorities and strategic goals, enhancing the organization's ability to respond swiftly to market demands and opportunities.

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PMI-PBA - Requirements Prioritization Techniques Example Questions

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Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary purpose of using Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) in agile projects?

Correct Answer: To prioritize work items based on their cost of delay divided by job duration

WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) is a prioritization model used in Agile and Lean practices that specifically calculates priority by dividing the cost of delay by the job size or duration. The correct answer accurately describes the fundamental principle of WSJF: prioritizing work items based on their cost of delay divided by job duration. This calculation helps teams maximize the economic benefit of their work by focusing on items that deliver the most value in the shortest time. The other options are incorrect because: - Using velocity and complexity points is related to sprint planning and estimation, not WSJF prioritization - Multiplying business value by risk reduction factors is not the WSJF formula and misrepresents the prioritization method - Using story points to sprint duration ratio is not related to WSJF and represents a different metric altogether

Question 2

In calculating WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First), which of the following formulas is used to determine the final prioritization score?

Correct Answer: Cost of Delay divided by Job Size

WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) is calculated by dividing the Cost of Delay by Job Size. Cost of Delay is composed of three elements: - Business Value - Time Criticality - Risk Reduction/Opportunity Enablement The Cost of Delay (sum of the three elements above) is then divided by Job Size to get the WSJF score. This provides a weighted value that helps prioritize work items based on both their relative value and the effort required to complete them. This calculation method ensures that high-value, low-effort items get higher priority, while also considering time sensitivity and risk factors. The formula helps teams maximize the economic benefit of their delivery sequence.

Question 3

When applying WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) prioritization, which component is typically considered the most significant in driving business value?

Correct Answer: Cost of Delay (CoD)

Cost of Delay (CoD) is indeed the most significant component in WSJF prioritization because: It represents the economic impact of delaying the implementation of a feature or project, encompassing: - Lost revenue opportunity - Competitive advantage impact - Cost savings delayed - Customer satisfaction impact CoD is crucial because it quantifies the business value in time-sensitive terms, making it the primary driver in prioritization decisions. The other options are less significant because: Duration/technical complexity is just the denominator in the WSJF calculation and doesn't drive business value. Business impact and technical risk assessment combined is a broader measure but misses the time-sensitivity aspect that makes WSJF effective. Resource availability and time criticality focuses on implementation constraints rather than business value generation.

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