Relative Estimation with Reference Stories
Relative Estimation is the fastest and most reliable method for Sprint planning. Using historical data in the form of Reference Stories makes it even better.
SAFe Implementation: 4 Tips for Getting Started
SAFe implementation can be a daunting task. Starting things off right can make a huge difference. Here’s how...
How to Learn the Team Estimation Game
We recently published a piece describing why we think Relative Estimation is a more effective alternative to Planning Poker. In this article, Principal Consultant Joel Bancroft-Connors explains how our recommended alternative, Team Estimation, works.
Why Relative Estimation Beats Planning Poker
Estimation is hard. Even the most experienced development teams miss the mark with traditional time-based estimates. The most popular alternative, Planning Poker®, sounds fun, but falls short in practice. In our experience, Relative Estimation is far more effective — and it can be gamified too.
Solving the 7 Wastes of Development with Cross Functional Teams
Developing fully cross functional teams can dramatically reduce waste. In this essay we explore why cross functional teams are difficult to implement, and how to overcome common obstacles.
The Right Way to Do Customer Interviews
A business cannot be Agile — nor have much of a chance at success generally — if it doesn’t understand its customers. While this may seem self-evident, conducting customer interviews isn’t easy. In this article we lay out the basics for successful customer research.
Examples of Scrum Case Studies
A frequent request of our Scrum students is for Scrum Case Studies. Here we identify over 15 worthwhile case studies for your review, with links to the actual studies for your convenience.
Agile Interview Questions for Hiring Managers and Candidates
How Agile are you? Whether you're a job seeker or a hiring manager, these Agile interview questions will give you a clear answer.
Supercharge Your Product Roadmap with an Opportunity Backlog
A lot of Product Roadmaps get bogged down by becoming a detailed list of features and due dates. Avoid this pitfall by using an Opportunity Backlog to allow the product team to to explore customer problems before placing them on the Product Roadmap.
Impediments Backlog: The Key to Overcoming Agile Obstacles
Impediments can slow down your Scrum team, or on a larger scale, block your organization’s Agile adoption. Here are four practical steps you can use to remove impediments and stay on track.