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Sprint Planning

Overview

Sprint Planning is a key ceremony in Agile Scrum methodology where the Scrum Team determines the work to be completed in the upcoming sprint. It sets the Sprint Goal, defines backlog items to be worked on, and outlines the approach to completing them.

Who Should Attend?

Role Responsibility
Scrum Master Facilitates the session, ensuring the team follows Agile principles.
Product Owner Prioritises backlog items and clarifies requirements.
Development Team Estimates work and commits to deliverables.
Stakeholders (Optional) May provide input on priorities, but typically do not participate actively.

Structure of a Sprint Planning Session

1. Set the Sprint Goal

  • The Product Owner proposes a goal based on business priorities.
  • The Scrum Team discusses and refines the goal to ensure it is achievable within the sprint.

2. Select Product Backlog Items (PBIs)

  • The Product Owner presents high-priority backlog items.
  • The Development Team assesses feasibility and breaks down large items if needed.
  • Items are selected based on the team's capacity and velocity.
  • Carry over unfinished tasks from the previous sprint if they are still relevant and aligned with the new Sprint Goal.

3. Estimate Effort & Define Tasks

  • The team estimates backlog items using techniques like Story Points (Planning Poker) or T-Shirt Sizing.
  • Each backlog item is further decomposed into tasks to help track progress.

4. Define a Plan for Execution

  • Identify dependencies and potential risks.
  • Assign initial tasks but allow flexibility for self-organization.
  • Ensure that acceptance criteria and definition of done (DoD) are clear.

5. Final Commitment & Sprint Start

  • The team commits to delivering the selected backlog items.
  • The Scrum Master ensures there are no unresolved impediments.
  • The sprint officially starts, and work begins!

What Should NOT Be Covered in Sprint Planning?

  • Detailed design discussions (should be handled during the sprint).
  • Low-priority backlog items that do not align with the Sprint Goal.
  • Unclear or ambiguous backlog items (they should be refined beforehand).
  • Team member performance reviews or unrelated discussions.

Alternative Approaches to Sprint Planning

1. Kanban Flow-Based Planning

  • Instead of sprints, work is pulled continuously from a backlog.
  • Focuses on work-in-progress (WIP) limits rather than fixed iterations.
  • Ideal for teams working on support tickets, maintenance, or continuous delivery.

2. Lean Inception Workshops

  • A collaborative, time-boxed session used in Lean/Agile teams to plan releases.
  • Focuses on business outcomes rather than detailed task breakdowns.

3. SAFe PI Planning (Scaled Agile Framework)

  • Used in large-scale Agile enterprises to coordinate work across multiple teams.
  • Focuses on aligning teams on shared objectives for a Program Increment (PI).

Conclusion

Sprint Planning ensures alignment, clarity, and commitment for the team at the start of each sprint. A well-structured planning session results in predictable deliveries, reduced bottlenecks, and enhanced collaboration.

Alternative approaches like Kanban, Lean Inception, and SAFe PI Planning can be used depending on the team’s needs and project scope.