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  • Doesn't this understate the work already done, though? Commented Feb 24, 2017 at 15:17
  • The point is that this most likely is not an outlier, it rarely is. But if it is an outlier and the rest of the sprints do have a higher velocity then chalk this sprint up to things that happens. But to know it is an outlier you will have to know the truth about it. A task is not done unless it meets the definition of done and it doesn't. Commented Feb 24, 2017 at 15:29
  • I was not wondering about "not finished" part, just about how to plan with the already done part. And for the sake of the argument, let's assume the reasons for non-completion are perfectly valid, nothing the team was in any shape or form responsible for and the planning correct. Commented Feb 24, 2017 at 15:38
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    @Stephie There aren't "valid" and "invalid" reasons for a story to be incomplete. What's more relevant is whether the reasons are recurring and/or actionable. If the reason isn't recurring then the dip in your velocity should be brief. If it is recurring, then you really do just have a lower velocity. Either way, "compensating" is unnecessary. Commented Feb 25, 2017 at 2:58
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    Yes, this understates the work done, but that's what you want. People seem to want to gamify velocity, as if it's supposed to be pushed higher and higher. That's not the point at all. Velocity is a measure of how much work your team can do at a normal pace during any given sprint. If you overdid it, and didn't finish all your story points in your sprint, then that likely means your velocity is tracking too high. It's not about looking good or bragging rights; it's about being able to accurately measure how much the team can do. Commented Jul 28, 2017 at 15:40