Estimating User Stories
One of the principles of self-managing teams in Agile Scrum is working collaboratively with the Product Owner to effectively deliver the highest priority features. Scrum teams are guided by the Scrum Master and measure the velocity that a team has in delivering features during each sprint. Velocity is a key metric calculated at the end of the first sprint that determines the number of features that a scrum team has the capacity to deliver during each sprint. During the product backlog prioritization and subsequent sprint planning sessions, the team will provide estimates for user stories and related tasks. The Scrum Master is the facilitator to guide the team in using Agile principles during the estimation process. Those Scrum Masters with technical knowledge can also be a source of reason by using velocity metrics against the general optimism of team members.
The estimation of user stories starts with the product backlog refinement ceremony and continues through the life of each sprint. The Product Owner, Scrum Master and Scrum Team Members lead the three key roles in estimation. Stakeholders can and should be included in limited numbers in the backlog ceremonies when there are conversations that are best held with the impacted individuals or end users. An estimate should be inclusive of all tasks to be performed and should be provided by all scrum team members. Estimates, the acceptance criteria and the Definition of Done (DoD) are the basis for approval of features during the sprint review.
Product Backlog Prioritization
The product backlog prioritization ceremony is primarily lead by the Product Owner. The Scrum Master supports these efforts by facilitating the discussions to honor Agile scrum principles. The objective of the product backlog prioritization ceremony is not only to refine features into epics and user stories but, to also get buy-in from all scrum team members. Participating in a product backlog prioritization ceremony sets the stage for efficient sprint planning meetings and gives all team members ownership in the larger vision of the project.
Recommended Further Reading
The following materials may assist you in order to get the most out of this course: