Mastering Prioritization with Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF)

In today’s fast-paced development environments, prioritizing work items effectively can be the difference between success and failure. Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization model used in Agile software development to sequence jobs (features, capabilities, etc.) to produce the maximum economic benefit. Based on the principles of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe), WSJF helps teams decide on the importance of work items by considering the Cost of Delay (CoD) and the job size.

Understanding the Cost of Delay (CoD)

At the heart of WSJF is the concept of the Cost of Delay, which quantifies the economic impact of not completing a job on time. This could include lost sales, increased costs, missed opportunities, or damage to brand reputation. CoD is a crucial aspect because it puts a premium on time, encouraging teams to focus on what delivers value most urgently.

Calculating WSJF

WSJF is calculated by dividing the Cost of Delay by the job size (the duration or effort required to complete a job):

To apply WSJF, teams must estimate the following for each job:

1. Business Value (BV): The relative value of the job to the business.
2. Time Criticality (TC): The importance of delivering a job sooner rather than later.
3. Risk Reduction and Opportunity Enablement Value (RR/OEV): The extent to which the job reduces risks or enables new opportunities.
4. Job Size (JS): The effort required to complete the job.

Implementing WSJF in Your Workflow

1. Identify Jobs: Start with a clear list of features, capabilities, or epics that need prioritization.
2. Assess Each Component: Determine the BV, TC, RR/OEV, and JS for each job.
3. Calculate WSJF Scores: Use the WSJF formula to calculate the score for each job.
4. Prioritize Accordingly: Sequence your backlog based on the WSJF scores, from highest to lowest.
5. Review Regularly: Priorities can change, so reassess your backlog periodically.

Benefits of WSJF

• Objective Decision-Making: WSJF removes much of the subjectivity and bias from the prioritization process.
• Focus on Value: It ensures that the most economically beneficial jobs are developed first.
• Alignment: Teams across the organization can align on priorities using a common understanding of value.
• Improved Predictability: By understanding and visualizing the impact of delays, teams can manage expectations more effectively.