Relative Mass Valuation

5 minutes 5 Questions

Relative Mass Valuation is a technique to decide on story point scores for user stories. The team sorts user stories into piles based on their relative sizes, with no two stories in one pile. After sorting, story-points are assigned to each user story according to the pile in which it lives. Caution must be exercised to not treat the points as concrete values, but rather as a conversation starter around complexity and uncertainty.

Guide on Relative Mass Valuation

The Relative Mass Valuation is an advanced estimation technique, which is very important in project management because it is a practical way to understand the relative size, effort or complexity of different tasks or pieces of work within a project.

What is it? Relative Mass Valuation is a method in which sizes or values are compared in relation to other sizes or values instead of absolute numeric quantification. It's a kind of comparative analysis. Instead of a direct measurement of each product or component's size, they are compared relative to each other.

How it works? In a project context, each task is compared to others and assigned a relative mass. However, it's not just about size - effort, complexity, and risk might also be factors considered.

How to answer questions regarding Relative Mass Valuation in an exam? Be clear in explaining what relative mass is, how it works, and why it is used. Use practical examples to illustrate your points, and keep your explanations clear and concise.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Relative Mass Valuation
1. Understand the concept thoroughly. Know the difference between empirical measurement and relative mass valuation.
2. Use project-related examples in your answers.
3. Try to explain the practical implications and benefits of using relative mass valuation – such as how it can aid in project management planning and estimation.
4. Familiarize yourself with the common types of questions about relative mass valuations that are typically asked in exams.
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PSM I - Relative Mass Valuation Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Relative Mass Valuation

Question 1

Scenario: A Scrum Team is using Relative Mass Valuation to prioritize features. However, they are missing deadlines because implementing high-value features is taking longer than expected. What should they do?

Correct Answer: They should break down the high-value features into smaller tasks and reassess their approach.

The best approach when high-value features are taking longer than expected is to break these features down into smaller tasks and reassess their approach. This approach allows for more manageable and realistic milestones, which can help the team to meet deadlines more effectively. The other options are not ideal. Focusing on completing low-value features might meet deadlines but won’t deliver the maximum value to the customer. Pushing the deadlines is not a good practice either, because it might lead to a slippery slope of constantly postponed goals and decreased team credibility. Finally, it is not sustainable or healthy for the team to work overtime to complete the high-value features on time as it can lead to burnout and decreased productivity in the long run.

Question 2

Scenario: The development team is spending more time determining the relative mass value rather than actually working on the features. What course of action should the Scrum Master take?

Correct Answer: The Scrum Master should facilitate the team in finding a balance by suggesting shorter, more focused estimation sessions to ensure time is also dedicated to development activities.

The correct answer emphasizes the Scrum Master’s role in coaching the team towards finding a balance that respects the team's autonomy and existing practices while addressing the specific issue of excessive time spent on estimations. It recognizes the value of the team's chosen method (relative mass valuation) and suggests optimizing rather than replacing or drastically changing the current process. The wrong answers either suggest a direct interference with the team's autonomy, introduce unnecessary complexity, or fail to directly address the issue of time management in the estimation process.

Question 3

Scenario: The Relative Mass Valuation model used by the Scrum Team has been producing inconsistent results. What should the team do in this situation?

Correct Answer: They should revisit their estimation model, identify the inconsistencies and modify the model as necessary.

In such scenarios where a Scrum Team finds their Relative Mass Valuation model producing inconsistent results, the team should revisit their estimation model, identify inconsistencies and modify the model as they see fit. The steps will consist of the identification of inconsistencies, evaluation of reasons behind them, making necessary changes in the model and reapplying the modified model The option of continuing to use the current model as it is doesn't hold as changes can lead to more inconsistencies. There's already evidence of inconsistency and without addressing this, the problem will not self-correct. The thought of ignoring the inconsistencies as they will balance out in the long run is incorrect as well. Waiting for inconsistencies to get resolved on their own might lead to further project uncertainties, complications and unpredictability. Similarly, the option suggesting the usage of a different valuation technique to confirm existing results does not address the core issue of inconsistency in the current model. It might validate or disprove the existing results, but it does not solve the problem within the existing model. Use of a different model can't correct the problems with the existing model.

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