Query: "capacity planning"

• One user shared their experience of using Kanban instead of sprints to allow for more flexible priority changes leading to a happier team.
• They also mentioned creating a visual tool resembling a mix of a Gantt chart and a git branch timeline to show stakeholders resource allocation impact.
• Another user highlighted the importance of knowing the team's capacity compared to velocity and making informed judgments on capacity assignments.
• They also discussed utilizing story points for well-defined backlogs and project manager resource management for quarterly planning.
• Reviewing plans every sprint and keeping a continuous planning cycle were recommended for well-informed prioritization sessions.
• Users advised keeping in mind that plans are projections that may change depending on organizational priorities and not etched in stone like the ten commandments.
• Planning for resources using a mix of FTEs and Estimates per feature/ task was suggested.
• It was mentioned that capacity planning is crucial for effective resource distribution and prioritization while adapting to changing requirements.

Pros and Cons:

Kanban Approach:

• Pros:
  • Flexible for changing priorities.
  • Increases team happiness.
• Cons:
  • Requires effective visualization tools.
  • May need stakeholder cooperation for priority changes.

story points and Estimations:

• Pros:
  • Provides a quantifiable measure for planning.
  • Useful for quarterly capacity projections.
• Cons:
  • Relies on accurate backlog estimations.
  • May be challenging for ad hoc short-term work.

Continuous Planning and Resource Management:

• Pros:
  • Ensures ongoing alignment with priorities.
  • Helps in making informed resource-related decisions.
• Cons:
  • Requires regular reviews and adjustments.
  • Budgets and plans may change based on organizational needs.

Stakeholder Involvement and Visualization Tools:

• Pros:
  • Enhances transparency and communication.
  • Helps stakeholders understand resource allocation impact.
• Cons:
  • Stakeholders may make changes affecting planned capacity.
  • Complexity in creating and maintaining visualization tools.

Overall, effective capacity planning involves a mix of methodologies like Kanban, story points, and continuous planning to ensure optimized resource utilization and adaptability to changing demands.