How to Calculate WSJF Value for Effective Prioritization

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. This is especially important when considering product management hackathon 2025.

Here's how WSJF works and how it can be used in the real world:

Determine the value of each work item

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. This is especially important when considering what is the purpose of incident management practice.

Determine the time required to complete each work item

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. This is especially important when considering ai tools for product managers.

Calculate the WSJF value for each work item

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).

Prioritize work items based on WSJF values

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.

Example

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: This is where product planning becomes crucial, as it transforms a list of potential features into a strategic sequence of value delivery. By applying WSJF, the team can objectively decide which initiatives will deliver the most value relative to their cost, ensuring the roadmap aligns with business goals.

This is where the agile team can leverage WSJF to objectively compare these initiatives against one another, ensuring the highest value and most urgent items are tackled first.

• Feature A: Value = 8, Time = 2 weeks
• Feature B: Value = 5, Time = 4 weeks
• Feature C: Value = 7, Time = 3 weeks
• Feature D: Value = 3, Time = 6 weeks

Based on these values, the WSJF values for each feature are as follows:

• Feature A: WSJF = 8/2 = 4
• Feature B: WSJF = 5/4 = 1.25
• Feature C: WSJF = 7/3 = 2.33
• Feature D: WSJF = 3/6 = 0.5

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.

Ultimately, by consistently applying WSJF, you can transform your prioritization process into a powerful engine for operational efficiency, ensuring your team always works on what delivers the most value for the effort.