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Drunk Agile

Episode 55 - When Will A New Feature Be Done

Jan 17, 2023
The hosts tackle the tricky question of estimating completion timelines for new features. They delve into Monte Carlo simulations, showcasing how these can enhance project predictions. Strategies for mastering delivery timelines are discussed, including continuous forecasting and managing concurrent tasks. Caution is advised regarding oversimplified predictions, urging listeners to share their own experiences. Tune in for insights that could transform your approach to Agile project management!
18:42

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Estimating feature completion requires considering ongoing tasks and prioritizing work, as reliance on Monte Carlo simulations can lead to inaccuracies.
  • Continuous forecasting practices help teams adapt their predictions based on current progress and workload distribution across features.

Deep dives

The Challenge of Forecasting New Features

When a new feature appears unexpectedly in a team's workload, estimating its completion can be complex. The common inclination is to input the tasks into a Monte Carlo simulation to predict a timeline, but this method has limitations. Specifically, the team is likely already engaged with other tasks, and the simulation does not account for which items they will tackle next. Thus, this reliance on the simulation alone may lead to inaccurate forecasts, as it doesn't consider the priority of ongoing work.

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