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Presentation
Application of Bayesian Belief Network for Agile Kanban Backlog Estimation
Proceedings of the 2018 IISE Annual Conference
  • Eric Weflen, Iowa State University
  • Kevin Korniejczuk, Iowa State University
  • Sharon Lau, Iowa State University
  • Steven Kryk, Iowa State University
  • Cameron A. MacKenzie, Iowa State University
  • Iris V. Rivero, Iowa State University
Document Type
Conference Proceeding
Publication Version
Published Version
Publication Date
1-1-2018
Conference Title
2018 IISE Annual Conference
Conference Date
May 19-22, 2018
Geolocation
(28.5383355, -81.37923649999999)
Abstract

This paper presents an approach based on influence diagrams for reducing uncertainty in Agile Kanban backlog feature completion time. Agile project management techniques, including SCRUM and Kanban, are prevalent in software development and spreading to other product development fields. A key artifact of Agile is the product backlog, containing work which needs to be completed by the development team. Internal and external stakeholders often require projections for completion of backlogged requests or features. Current estimation techniques such as duration assignments through planning poker and the use of story points to calculate velocity require persistent team input, while task counting has limited accuracy. Therefore, an influence diagram (also known as a Bayesian belief network) was generated to probabilistically assess factors influencing the completion time of backlog items. Statistical functions and uncertainty nodes were validated through data collected from a product development team practicing Agile Kanban. In addition to lowering the barrier to adopting backlog estimation, this model accounts for factors influencing lead time that current techniques disregard such as re-prioritization and feature or request additions. This approach can provide a simpler, more robust representation of project backlog while effectively using team resources.

Comments

This proceeding was published as Weflen, Eric, Kevin Korniejczuk, Sharon Lau, Steve Kryk, Cameron MacKenzie, and Iris V. Rivero. "Application of Bayesian Belief Network for Agile Kanban Backlog Estimation." In Proceedings of the 2018 IISE Annual Conference. K. Barker, D. Berry, C. Rainwater, eds. (2018). Posted with permission.

Copyright Owner
IISE
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Citation Information
Eric Weflen, Kevin Korniejczuk, Sharon Lau, Steven Kryk, et al.. "Application of Bayesian Belief Network for Agile Kanban Backlog Estimation" Orlando, FLProceedings of the 2018 IISE Annual Conference (2018)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/iris_rivero/7/