Managing Risk with Flow Metrics in Scrum with Kanban
In a Scrum with Kanban environment, understanding and managing flow metrics is crucial to ensuring that work items are completed on time. Certain metrics can help teams identify risks and take action to keep work on track.
Exam Question
When compared to your SLE, what flow metric will help reduce the risk that a work item will not be finished on-time, once the work item has been started?
(choose the best answer)
A. Throughput.
B. Work in Progress (WIP).
C. SLE.
D. Work Item Age.
Correct Answer
D. Work Item Age.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Work Item Age:
Work Item Age is the most critical metric for reducing the risk that a work item will not be finished on time once it has been started. This metric tracks how long a work item has been in progress. By comparing the Work Item Age against the Service Level Expectation (SLE), teams can identify whether a work item is at risk of not being completed within the expected time frame. If the Work Item Age is approaching or exceeds the SLE, the team can take corrective actions, such as swarming on the item, to ensure it is completed on time.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
A. Throughput:
Throughput measures the rate at which work items are completed over time. While it is useful for understanding overall team capacity, it does not provide specific insights into the progress of an individual work item relative to its SLE.
B. Work in Progress (WIP):
WIP limits help manage the number of work items in progress at any given time to ensure focus and avoid overloading the team. However, WIP alone does not indicate the risk of a specific work item not being completed on time.
C. SLE:
The SLE (Service Level Expectation) sets the expected time frame for completing work items. While it is crucial for setting expectations, it does not actively track the progress of an individual work item. Work Item Age is needed to assess the current risk in relation to the SLE.
Relevance to the PSK I Exam
Understanding how to use flow metrics like Work Item Age in conjunction with SLEs is important for the PSK I exam. This knowledge ensures that teams can effectively manage risks and deliver work items on time.
Key Takeaways
- Work Item Age is the key metric to monitor once a work item has been started, as it helps identify risks of not meeting the SLE.
- Throughput, WIP, and SLE are important metrics but do not provide the same real-time risk assessment for individual work items as Work Item Age.
- Regularly comparing Work Item Age to the SLE allows teams to take proactive steps to ensure timely completion of work.
Conclusion
Work Item Age is the most valuable metric for reducing the risk of a work item not being finished on time once it has been started. It allows teams to monitor progress closely and take necessary actions to keep work on track. For more information on preparing for the PSK I exam, visit our Professional Kanban PSK I™ Exam Prep.
