iteration planning

A planning session where the team clarifies backlog items, confirms acceptance criteria, and estimates the effort needed to make a realistic commitment for the next iteration.

Key Points

  • Aligns the team on the iteration goal and the scope they believe they can deliver.
  • Clarifies acceptance criteria and Definition of Done for selected backlog items.
  • Breaks work into tasks and estimates effort based on capacity and historical velocity.
  • Includes collaboration between the product owner and delivery team to produce a clear, achievable plan.

Example

Before a two-week iteration, the product owner and team meet to choose the top-priority backlog items. They discuss each item to remove ambiguity, confirm acceptance criteria, split items into tasks, estimate effort, check team capacity, and agree on an iteration goal and forecast of work.

PMP Example Question

Which event focuses on selecting and planning the work for the next iteration by clarifying backlog items, confirming acceptance criteria, and estimating effort within team capacity?

  1. Daily standup
  2. Iteration planning
  3. Sprint review
  4. Backlog refinement

Correct Answer: B — Iteration planning

Explanation: Iteration planning is the event where the team commits to the next iteration by clarifying scope, acceptance criteria, and effort, producing an iteration goal and plan.

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