WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First).

Updated at: 17 September 2024

In order to implement any project, a certain algorithm must be followed. Often the first step is to make a backlog - a detailed list of all the tasks that need to be done to achieve the goals.

An organized backlog helps the members of the development team to better understand the priorities. As a result, the work will become more efficient, and specialists will be able to concentrate exclusively on the most important tasks.

A backlog includes tasks that need to be prioritized. Why is it necessary? This approach:

¨NBSP;

helps to identify the most important tasks;

optimizes the process of planning the team's work
;

speeds up decision-making;

minimizes the risks of failure.

The WSJF model can be used to prioritize tasks. This model was originally created based on Agile principles. The purpose of its use dictates the need to identify the most important tasks for resource and time allocation.

## What is WSJF's backlog prioritization model

One of the most common approaches to streamlining is WSJF backlog prioritization. The acronym stands for Weighted Shortest Job First - effectively, allowing you to prioritize the highest priority work. This unique and in-demand model was developed within the framework of Agile and Lean approaches to software development. It is a clear mathematical method of prioritization.

As a result, the WSJF methodology is one of the most effective ways to manage a project portfolio. It allows organizations to improve, constantly improve the process of prioritization of tasks, maximize the added value of projects.

Consider the goals and objectives of WSJF backlog prioritization:

¨NBSP;

Maximize value added;

significantly reduce development cycle time;

reduce
likely risks;

minimize costs.

The WSJF methodology is based on the principle of task prioritization. The priority, in turn, depends directly on the cost of the specific task and the duration of the work. A special formula is used for calculation, which takes into account all necessary parameters and allows to find the WSJF coefficient for each task.

Delay cost estimation

To estimate the cost of delay in work it is necessary to calculate in advance the potential losses - no one is insured against them, they may arise due to project downtime. Work delay can negatively affect the following:

reduce the company's financial performance;

deteriorate brand reputation;

reduce the loyalty of potential customers, reduce the quality of satisfaction, deteriorate user experience;

reduce competitiveness in the market.

WSJF allows you to estimate the cost of delay and prioritize tasks based on their business value, criticality, and time to complete.

Estimating the cost of delay depends on several factors including:

business/customer value;

time factor - how long it takes to complete the task;

risk mitigation;

total duration of the job.

All of the above parameters allow you to quickly identify the most important tasks and then focus project team members on accomplishing them.

Using the example of task prioritization, you can see how tasks are ranked according to WSJF. For this purpose, a summary table is made, which allows to visualize all the parameters and the results of calculations. The purpose of such a table is to make the process more transparent and understandable for all team members.

Estimation of work duration

Work duration estimation also plays a significant role in WSJF methodology. It depends on the following factors:

complexity of the task;

experience of the team;

availability of necessary resources, technical capabilities for implementation.

The estimation of the duration of the work is an important aspect in project planning. WSJF allows taking into account not only the cost of delay but also the time required to complete the task.

WSJF calculation and formula

The WSJF formula is as follows: WSJF = (Relative Business Value + Criticality + Time Period) / Size of Work Performed.

Let's take a closer look at the components of the WSJF formula:

Relative Business Value - the degree of importance of a particular task for achieving the company's goals;

Criticality - how the realized task will affect the success of the project
;

Time Period - the required
amount of
time to complete the task;

Size of Work Done - the amount of work completed up to the current point.

To calculate WSJF it is necessary to find the numerator, which is the Cost of Delay - abbreviated CoD, and the denominator, which is the duration of the work.

CoD is a financial metric. It is meant to reflect the damage that can be done to a company due to work delays. CoD is a relative assessment as it includes various factors: lost profits, missed opportunities and negative impact on the company's reputation.

How to find the value of CoD? A collective assessment of the cost of work delay needs to be made. For example, if a job is delayed for one week and it results in a loss of profit of $10,000, the CoD will be $10,000.

The denominator in the WSJF formula is the duration of the job. This figure can be difficult to determine for the following reasons:

unpredictability of the development process, inability to predict in advance possible obstacles;

instability of external conditions or customer requirements;

different levels of complexity of tasks within the project.

As a result, the WSJF formula is as follows: WSJF = CoD/Job Size

An example of a WSJF calculation is as follows: CoD = 10.000 USD, Job Size = 5 days, WSJF = 10.000 USD/5 = 2.000 USD/day

To adjust the result obtained in case of certain scenarios, professionals should consider changes in CoD or Job Size. For example, if there is a shortage of resources, the cost of delay may increase. In turn, this will affect the WSJF value.

The algorithm for calculating WSJF is as follows:

preliminary estimation of all CoD components;

subsequent summation of all components;

estimation of the complexity/job size;

final calculation of WSJF using the formula that was presented earlier.

To summarize: the formula for calculating WSJF includes several parameters: business value, cost of delay, duration of work, possible risks.

By applying the formula, it is easy to designate the optimal order of tasks for employees. In turn, this allows you to achieve maximum results.

Application of WSJF methodology

WSJF methodology is widely used in various spheres of activity - information technology, production, marketing, project management. Its flexibility and efficiency make the methodology an integral part of modern management.

Let's highlight the main advantages of WSJF prioritization methodology:

Reducing project downtime;

maximizing its value to the business;

improving decision making;

increasing team effectiveness;

preserving lean principles in product development.

The WSJF methodology allows a large work to be broken down into small parts. Such a step-by-step approach simplifies the fulfillment of designated tasks and increases the efficiency of teamwork. For example, when developing a software product, it is recommended to divide it into separate tasks by functionality or modules.

WSJF is often used in the following cases:

when prioritizing tasks within a single project;

when prioritizing different epics in agile methodology;

for competent product portfolio management to prioritize tasks or projects.

WSJF model is relevant for various industries where it is important to optimize resource and time allocation. It helps to improve development processes, helps companies to become more agile and competitive in the market.

Conclusion

Summarizing all of the above, we would like to note: WSJF methodology is a proven powerful tool for project portfolio management, which allows organizations to achieve optimal results and maximize added value. Its application leads to competent prioritization, risk mitigation, and improved product quality. This makes WSJF an essential element of successful project coordination.