This document discusses various metrics used for estimating and measuring work. It begins with warnings about optimizing the wrong metrics and how estimates can become commitments. Popular estimation techniques like story points and t-shirt sizing are described along with their benefits and drawbacks. Common work metrics are then outlined such as work in progress, queue size, velocity and throughput. The document cautions that leading metrics optimized for can have unintended consequences for lagging metrics. Finally, it provides resources for further reading on estimation, metrics and measurement.
6. Be careful of what you measure!
“What gets measured gets managed - even
when it's pointless to measure and manage it,
and even if it harms the purpose of the
organisation to do so.” – V.F. Ridgway
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9. Humans desire estimates
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Customers have a right to know:
How much will it cost?
When will we get it?
10. Forecast is often a better word
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We estimate Capacity + Risk
We forecast Effort + Value
11. Benefits
Great way to capture uncertainty
Relative sizing is easy to do
No commitment to hours of work
Drawbacks
Only about effort, not risk or value
Not meant to be converted to time
Not helpful in volatile environments
https://www.scrum-tips.com/2016/03/05/how-to-choose-a-reference-task/
Story Points
12. Benefits
Great when there’s little information
More intuitive than story points
Prevents analysis paralysis
Drawback
You can't add them up
(Well, you're not supposed to)
T-Shirt Sizing
20. Work In Progress, Queue Size
Velocity, Throughput
NPS, Fit for Purpose
Conversion Rate, Revenue
Work
Output
Outcome
Impact
Leading vs Lagging Metrics
Warning!
Targets for leading
metrics may have
unintended
consequences for
lagging metrics.
Leading
Lagging