Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization technique that is used to prioritize work items based on the value they will deliver to the organization. The WSJF technique takes into account both the value of the work and the time it will take to complete it, and assigns a weight to each work item based on these factors. This allows organizations to prioritize work in a way that maximizes the value they will deliver.
Here's how WSJF works and how it can be used in the real world:
The first step in using WSJF is to determine the value of each work item. This can be done by considering factors such as the impact the work will have on the organization, the value it will deliver to customers, and the risks associated with not doing the work. For example, a company that sells software might prioritize a new feature that will significantly increase customer satisfaction and retention over a feature that will only have a minor impact on customer satisfaction.
The next step is to determine the time required to complete each work item. This can be done by considering factors such as the complexity of the work, the resources required, and the dependencies on other work items. For example, a company might prioritize a work item that can be completed quickly and with minimal resources over a work item that requires a significant amount of time and resources.
Once the value and time required for each work item have been determined, the WSJF value can be calculated by dividing the value by the time required. This allows organizations to prioritize work items based on the value they will deliver relative to the time and resources required to complete them. For example, a company might prioritize a work item with a WSJF value of 5 (high value, low time required) over a work item with a WSJF value of 2 (lower value, higher time required).
Once the WSJF values for each work item have been calculated, organizations can use these values to prioritize work. Work items with higher WSJF values should be given higher priority, as they will deliver more value in a shorter amount of time. Work items with lower WSJF values can be given lower priority or potentially even eliminated if they are not deemed essential to the organization's objectives.
Here's an example of how WSJF might be used in the real world:
A software company is planning its product roadmap for the next quarter. The product team has identified several potential features that they would like to work on, but they need to prioritize these features to maximize the value they will deliver. Using WSJF, they determine the value and time required for each feature as follows:
Based on these values, the WSJF values for each feature are as follows:
In conclusion, the Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) prioritization technique is a powerful tool for product managers and teams looking to prioritize their work and ensure that they are working on the most valuable and impactful projects. By weighing the value and risk of each project against the duration and cost of completing it, teams can prioritize their work in a way that maximizes the return on investment and helps them achieve their goals. By using WSJF, teams can also better align their work with the needs and priorities of their customers and stakeholders, and can better manage their resources and capacity to deliver value and achieve their desired outcomes. Overall, WSJF is an effective and practical method for prioritizing work in the fast-paced and rapidly changing world of product management.
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