Timeboxing (Chapter 11) Flashcards
Define a timebox.
A fixed period of time, at the end of which an objective has been met.
What is the ‘objective’ for a timebox?
Usually completion of one or more deliverables making up a Solution Increment.
What measures progress and success of timeboxes?
Completion of products, not tasks.
What is the optimum length of a timebox?
2-4 weeks.
In exceptional circumstances, what is a) the longest and b) the shortest timebox length?
a) 6 weeks
b) 1 day
A timebox is a poorly defined process to support the creation of high-level products. True or false?
False - a timebox is a well defined process to support the creation of low-level products IN AN ITERATIVE BUT CONTROLLED FASHION.
At what level is most control over the project exerted?
The development timebox - if the smallest unit slips, so does everything else.
What is meant by…
Timebox
Increment timebox
Project timebox
Timeboxes at Evol. Dev.
The lifecycle phase
The whole project
Timeboxes begin with…
Timeboxes end with…
Kick-Offs
Close-Outs
What are the three main steps of a DSDM structured timebox?
What % of time is spent in each?
At which step is the main development work done?
- Investigation, 10-20%
- Refinement, 60-80%
- Consolidation, 10-20%
Refinement
What happens at kick-off?
The SDT understand the timebox objectives and accept them as realistic
What is agreed at investigation?
- Timebox deliverables
- Acceptance criteria for deliverables
- Measures of success for the timebox
What are the timebox deliverables based on?
User stories
Investigation ends with a light-touch review. True or false?
True - called ‘early testing’.
What happens at Refinement? (2)
- The bulk of development
2. Testing
Refinement ends with a light-touch review. True or false?
True - called ‘final testing’.
What happens at Close Out? (2)
- Formal acceptance of the timebox deliverables by the Business Visionary and Technical Coordinator.
- A short retrospective workshop to learn from the timebox.
What do small, short bursts of work (timeboxes) do?
Reduce risk.
What is a Daily Stand Up?
When do they happen?
A meeting at the same time and place every day, with the timebox plan visible, so that non-SDT members can listen in.
During timeboxes.
Who facilitates the daily Stand Ups?
The Team Leader.
Who is present at the Daily Stand Up? (2)
- All SDT members including the Business Ambassador
2. Any Business or Technical Advisors involved in this particular timebox
What is the fixed duration of a Daily Stand Up?
What is a good guide for timings?
15 minutes
2 minutes per participant + 2 minutes
People sit down at Daily Stand Ups. True or false?
False - they literally all stand up around the Team Board.
What is another name for the Team Board?
Information Radiator.
Who resolves challenges the SDT face?
The Team Leader will try to solve them within the team. If they cannot, they escalate them to the Project Manager.
What is the Solution Increment?
A set of deliverables delivered at the end of a timebox.
The combination of MoSCoW and timeboxing ensures…
Predictable, on time delivery.
