What is WSJF and Its Limitations
What is WSJF?
Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization model integral to the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe). Adapted from concepts presented by Donald Reinertsen in “The Principles of Product Development Flow,” WSJF is a quantitative tool designed to optimize the flow of value through an Agile Release Train (ART). It helps in deciding the order of job implementation, focusing on features, Epics, or Capabilities within SAFe.
How WSJF Works:
WSJF calculates the priority of a job by dividing its Cost of Delay (CoD) by its size. Cost of Delay encompasses Business Value, Time Criticality, and Risk Reduction/Opportunity Enablement Value. Each factor is evaluated and scored for every job, and these scores are used to compute the WSJF score. Jobs with higher WSJF scores are prioritized over others.
When WSJF May Not Be Useful:
- Complex Dependencies: WSJF struggles in scenarios with intricate interdependencies among features or work items. These dependencies often overshadow the individual WSJF scores, making it challenging to determine the true sequence for implementation.
- Challenges in Estimating Cost of Delay: If quantifying the Cost of Delay is difficult due to organizational or contextual limitations, WSJF may not accurately reflect the priority of items.
- Small or Homogenous Backlogs: In situations where the backlog is either too small or the items are similar in size and value, simpler prioritization methods might be more beneficial than the detailed WSJF calculation.
- Fixed Priorities Due to External Factors: When priorities are dictated by external factors like regulatory demands or fixed deadlines, the WSJF score becomes irrelevant, as these items must be addressed as per their external mandates.
Reflective Questions for Personal Experience with WSJF:
- “Reflect on a project where you applied WSJF for prioritization. How did you determine the values for Cost of Delay and job size? What challenges and learnings emerged from this experience?”
- “Have you ever adapted the WSJF approach to meet the unique needs of a project or organization? What changes were made, and how did they impact the prioritization process?”
- “Describe how you involved stakeholders in the WSJF process. Were there instances where their input significantly altered the WSJF scores of work items?”
- “What major challenges have you encountered while implementing WSJF, and how did you address them? What was the result of these efforts?”
- “Compare WSJF with other prioritization methods you have used. How does WSJF stand in terms of effectiveness and usability?”
- “Can you recall a scenario where WSJF wasn’t the right tool for prioritization? What was the context, and what alternative method did you utilize?”
Conclusion:
While WSJF is a potent prioritization tool in SAFe, its applicability and effectiveness are contingent on specific project and organizational contexts. It’s essential to evaluate these factors thoroughly before opting to use WSJF as a prioritization strategy. Preparing answers to the above reflective questions can greatly assist job seekers in personalizing their responses and demonstrating a deep understanding of WSJF in Scaled Agile interviews.
Obtaining certification in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) can significantly boost your credibility and prospects in the job market. SAFe offers a variety of certification programs tailored to different roles within the Agile framework. For instance, the ‘Leading SAFe with SAFe Agilist’ certification is a versatile option designed for managers and leaders. The ‘SAFe Scrum Master (SSM)‘ certification is specifically targeted towards those aspiring to fulfill the Scrum Master role within a SAFe environment. Meanwhile, the ‘SAFe Product Owner/Product Manager (SAFe POPM)‘ certification caters to individuals aiming to excel as Product Owners or Product Managers in SAFe.
If you have any questions regarding SAFe certifications, or if there are specific SAFe interview questions you’d like us to address and explain in more detail, please feel free to reach out to us. Your queries and suggestions are invaluable in helping us provide the most relevant and helpful content. Contact us at sales@izenbridge.com, and let us assist you in your journey towards mastering SAFe and excelling in your Agile career.
