Compare Agilebin vs. ScrumDesk

Release planning, also known as PI planning, is a standard procedure among scaled scrum teams and is usually conducted over a specific timeframe such as a quarter or a designated number of sprints, often five. During this planning phase, tasks from the product backlog are allocated to teams and assigned to specific sprints, with priorities set based on the targeted release version. Typically, the work is already organized and prioritized in the product backlog prior to this release planning session. This article aims to explore ways to measure the effectiveness of release planning after the meeting has concluded. It will identify suitable metrics and reports that can be utilized to evaluate the discrepancies between the planned and actual outcomes, as well as to demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) for management concerning the resources spent on release planning meetings. Given that such meetings can require significant resources—like a team of 100 members engaged over two days, equating to 1,600 hours—the analysis of these metrics becomes crucial for justifying the investment. The importance of continuous evaluation after release planning cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts future planning efforts and overall team productivity.

This instrument serves senior management by promoting alignment within the organization through transparency and self-management practices. It emphasizes directing teams towards achieving Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) rather than merely completing tasks, and it ensures that objectives are intricately connected to various initiatives and backlog items. Additionally, it acts as a valuable resource for Product Owners, featuring a multi-tiered hierarchy for user story mapping using visual cards that encompass business initiatives, themes, epics, features, and user stories. The tool also facilitates project scheduling through well-structured roadmaps and supports both release and sprint planning. It stands out as a streamlined Scrum project management solution for development teams, incorporating essential elements such as the product backlog, sprint planning sessions, daily scrums, and sprint reviews. Scrum teams can efficiently monitor their tasks using Kanban boards, which allow for easy drag-and-drop functionality and workflow customization while also managing impediments effectively. Furthermore, it serves the needs of Scrum Masters by promoting a culture of continuous improvement, enabling the facilitation of both online and in-person retrospectives, where team members can vote on the most impactful ideas. The tool includes a comprehensive selection of 14 retrospective techniques, along with methods to analyze intricate problems, such as root cause analysis, causal loop diagrams, mind maps, and the 5 Whys technique, to drive meaningful reflections and insights. Ultimately, this versatile tool enhances collaboration and efficiency across all levels of the organization.