Assessment 3 Instructions: Project Schedule and Product Backlog
Order Instructions
Assessment 3 Instructions: Project Schedule and Product Backlog
• Create a product backlog and project schedule using the CapraTek scenario.
Introduction
Note: The assessments in this course are based upon a scenario at CapraTek. You must complete the assessments in this course in the order in which they are presented.
A Scrum project schedule is comprised of a sequence of Sprints that are designed to address the product backlog.
The initial Scrum project schedule is similar to conventional project schedules. However, as the project progresses it becomes much more iterative and fluid in nature. It is designed around required product attributes that are defined by a product release feature set. A product backlog represents the items that need to be completed during the project to attain the functionality that enables the release features.
The product backlog is addressed by a series of Sprints that are usually from 1–4 weeks in duration. During a Sprint a team focuses on a single task (or sometimes multiple tasks) until it is complete or the Sprint’s time has elapsed. The project schedule represents a list of end-to-end Sprints, and their associated time frames, that lead to project completion.
Overview
Your company leadership has settled on Scrum as its development methodology. You have been given the go ahead to start the project planning. After having your first team meeting (presented in the CapraTek scenario), you will create a product backlog and a project schedule.
Preparation
The following resources are required to complete the assessment.
• CapraTek: Project Scope Meeting.
Directions
View the CapraTek: Project Scope Meeting activity.
Complete the following two parts to this assessment.
Part 1: Product Backlog
Create a prioritized product backlog for the first software release.
Part 2: Project Schedule
Use your product backlog to create a project schedule. It should depict your estimated Sprint durations for the backlog. If you use a software program to create the schedule, cut and paste it into your Word document along with Part 1 of this assessment.
Submission Requirements
• Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and assessment criteria:
• Competency 4: Develop an Agile project management plan.
o Create a prioritized backlog that is consistent with product requirements.
o Create a schedule that reflects project Sprints and deadlines.
CapraTek: Project Scope Meeting
Having heard the pros and cons associated with Agile and with the different approaches to Agile, CapraTek leadership has decided to use Scrum as the development methodology for the Alfred! thermostat IOS project. You’ve been given the go-ahead to start the project.
Your next move is to create a schedule and project backlog. You will need to gather the information from the various team members and stakeholders you will find in this activity.
After completing the activity, you will be prepared to:
Create a prioritized project backlog for the first software release.
Create a project schedule.
Peter Kennedy
Director of New Product Development
I’ll be honest. I find it difficult to think in terms of “user stories” and “epics” and “scrums.” I’m used to having a document that spells out the requirements for a project. That said … if I picture myself as an Alfred! user, well … I would want to be able to modify thermostat settings from my Apple device. I’d want to be able to find what I need easily. I’d want it to work the same as the set up on my laptop, so that I don’t get confused.
You know – talking through this, I can see how this Agile approach might be a better strategy for software projects. I think I should keep an eye on how this pilot works out.
Julie Ellsworth
Director of product Alliances
My focus is on those products that involve our strategic alliances with other manufacturers. That said, I would think that consistent design will be very important. The Alfred! software that is used with, say, a garage door opener manufactured by a partner of ours should look and work the same as the software that interfaces with products we’re making, such as this thermostat
Alex Lopez
Director of Marketing
I need to know what the end product will be – what features it will have, what will differentiate it and why it’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. And … I need to know all those things early enough to create marketing materials around them. If there are changes to either functions that the app will have or the look of it, I need to know before we release marketing materials.
My understanding is that the whole point of Agile is to have the best product possible within a given time period. That tells me that I can count on the app releasing when we expect it, but that we won’t know exactly what it will look like or how it will work until late in the project. My team can work with that, but it will mean taking a different approach than usual. We’ll need to keep communication lines open.
The resources provided here are optional. You may use other resources of your choice to prepare for this assessment; however, you will need to ensure that they are appropriate, credible, and valid. The Project Management Research Library Guide can help direct your research.
Cobb, C. G. (2015). The project manager’s guide to mastering agile: Principles and practices for an adaptive approach. Wiley.
Chapter 4, “Agile Planning, Requirements, and Product Backlog,” pages 57–72.
Smith, G., & Sidky, A. (2011). Prioritizing the backlog. Microsoft. https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh273010(v=vs.88).aspx
This presentation discusses the different ways the backlog can be evaluated and prioritized.
Smith, G., & Sidky, A. (2011). Release planning: Envisioning the overall schedule. Microsoft. https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh273042(v=vs.88).aspx
The authors describe how Agile’s iterative release planning approach can be used to estimate the overall project schedule timeline.
McDonald, K. (2006). Agile project leadership: What does an agile project plan look like? ProjectConnections.com. http://www.projectconnections.com/articles/120506-mcdonald.html
This analysis examines some of the fundamental features that differentiate Agile and more traditional PM project plans.
Lacey, M. (2015). Build and manage the product backlog. Microsoft. https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh765980(v=vs.120).aspx
This article reviews the features that make a product backlog effective and some best practices for its development and maintenance.
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