Taming the Beast: 5 Ways to Prioritise Requirements and Squash Scope Creep

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you had a refreshing break and a change to turn your brain off and reset. What an awesome 2024 it is going to be with lots of exciting content from The Better Business Analysis Institute (BBAI) to come. The first BBA Podcast is out, so have a listen: Taming the Beast: 5 Ways to Prioritize Requirements and Squash Scope Creep Feeling overwhelmed by ever-growing backlogs and that pesky scope creep monster? Worry not, warriors of requirements, because this episode is your secret weapon. We're diving deep into 5 battle-tested methods to prioritise like a pro and keep your projects on track. First up, let's wrangle those wishy-washy wants with the MoSCoW Method. Must-haves, should-haves, could-haves, won't-haves – it's a stakeholder whisperer's dream, helping categorize features based on impact and feasibility. No more squabbles, just crystal-clear communication. Next, we unleash the power of data with Cost-Benefit Analysis. Resources are precious, so let's weigh the cost of each feature against its juicy business value. Like a financial ninja, we'll find the sweet spot of maximising project impact while minding the budget. Feeling the 80/20 itch? Then the Pareto Principle is your new best friend. This rule of thumb says 20% of your efforts can deliver 80% of the value. Focus on those core functionalities, deliver fast, and leave the fancy bells and whistles for later. Efficiency, thy name is Pareto! Agile fans, rejoice! We're all about continuous prioritisation with user stories, backlog refinement, and estimation techniques. It's a living, breathing project plan that adapts to changing needs and keeps stakeholders in the loop. No more surprises, just iterative awesomeness. Finally, remember, change is inevitable, but chaos is optional. That's where the Change Control Process comes in. It's like a gatekeeper for your project scope, assessing every tweak request with scrutiny. Only approved changes make the cut, ensuring goals and resources stay aligned. So, sharpen your prioritisation pencils, listen to this episode, and get ready to conquer the ever-shifting landscape of business requirements. Scope creep will tremble at your feet! Happy analysing, BA heroes! #2024 #businessanalyst