Determining “When Will It Be Finished?” for a Single Product Backlog Item

When working in a Scrum with Kanban environment, various charts and analytics can help the team predict when a work item will be completed. Choosing the right chart for this purpose is crucial for accurate forecasting.

Exam Question

What is the best chart (analytic) to determine “When will it be finished?” for a single item in the Product Backlog?
(choose the best answer)
A. WIP Aging chart.
B. Throughput run chart.
C. Cycle Time scatterplot.
D. Cumulative Flow diagram (CFD).

Correct Answer

C. Cycle Time scatterplot.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C. Cycle Time scatterplot:
The Cycle Time scatterplot is the best tool for predicting when a specific Product Backlog item will be finished. This chart plots the cycle times of individual work items over time, showing how long similar items have taken to complete. By looking at where the current work item falls within this scatterplot, the team can make an informed estimate of when it will be finished. The scatterplot provides insights into variations in cycle time, allowing the team to predict future completion dates based on historical performance.

Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate

A. WIP Aging chart:
The WIP Aging chart shows how long current items have been in progress but does not provide a direct forecast for when a specific item will be completed. It’s more useful for identifying work items that may need attention due to their age.

B. Throughput run chart:
The Throughput run chart tracks the number of work items completed over time, which helps understand team capacity but does not directly predict when a specific item will be finished.

D. Cumulative Flow diagram (CFD):
The CFD provides a broad view of the flow of work across different stages but is better suited for tracking overall system health and flow stability rather than predicting the completion of a single item.

Relevance to the PSK I Exam

Understanding the purpose and use of different Kanban charts is crucial for the PSK I exam. Knowing which chart to use in specific scenarios demonstrates the ability to apply Kanban practices effectively within a Scrum framework.

Key Takeaways

• The Cycle Time scatterplot is the most effective tool for predicting when a single Product Backlog item will be completed.
• Other charts like the WIP Aging chart, Throughput run chart, and Cumulative Flow diagram are valuable for different purposes but are less effective for predicting completion dates for individual items.

Conclusion

The Cycle Time scatterplot is the best analytic tool for determining when a single Product Backlog item will be finished. It provides a clear, data-driven method for making accurate predictions based on past performance. For more information on preparing for the PSK I exam, visit our Professional Kanban PSK I™ Exam Prep.