WSJF Prioritization Method

Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization model in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) used to maximize economic benefit by sequencing work based on the relative cost of delay divided by job duration. It involves estimating the cost of delay using user/business value, time criticality, risk reduction/opportunity enablement, and job size. This model helps in continuous reprioritization to deliver optimal economic outcomes. WSJF is especially useful for prioritizing features and capabilities in Agile Release Trains and Solution Trains but is less suited for team backlog prioritization and initial portfolio epic prioritization which can be used for all kinds of tasks requiring this depth of analysis.

How to Use It

To use Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) in the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), follow these steps:

1. Identify and List Jobs: Create a list of features, capabilities, or epics that need prioritization.

2. Estimate Cost of Delay:

   • User/Business Value: Evaluate the importance to the user or business.

   • Time Criticality: Assess how time-sensitive the job is.

   • Risk Reduction/Opportunity Enablement: Determine how it reduces risk or enables new opportunities.

3. Estimate Job Size: Determine the duration or effort required to complete each job.

4. Calculate WSJF: Use the formula WSJF = Cost of Delay / Job Size.

5. Prioritize Jobs: Sequence the jobs based on their WSJF scores, with the highest scores prioritized first.

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