WSJF for JiraCloudUser Guide

User Guide

This guide explains how to use the “WSJF Calculation and Sorting for Jira” plugin to prioritize your work in Jira using the Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) framework.

What is WSJF?

Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a prioritization model used by lean and agile organizations to deliver maximum value. It’s a key part of the Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe).

Benefits of WSJF:

  • Maximizes Economic Benefit: Focuses on delivering the most valuable work first.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: Provides a clear formula for objective prioritization.
  • Reduces Bottlenecks: Streamlines workflows.
  • Enables Decentralized Decision-Making: Empowers teams to make informed prioritization decisions.

How WSJF Works:

WSJF calculates the Cost of Delay to determine priority. The formula is:

WSJF = (Business Value + Time Criticality + Risk Reduction or Opportunity Enablement) / Job Size

Why Use the WSJF Plugin?

This plugin automates WSJF calculation and sorting in Jira.

Key Features:

  • Automated Calculation: Calculates WSJF values in real-time.
  • Flexible Configuration: Customize input fields, scales, and inheritance.
  • Easy Sorting: Sort issues by WSJF value with one click.
  • Seamless Integration: Works within your existing Jira workflows.
  • Native Jira Fields: Leverages Jira’s native custom field types.

Getting Started

  1. Input Values: Enter values for each issue’s Business Value, Time Criticality, Risk Reduction or Opportunity Enablement, and Job Size. You can find these fields on your issue view screen within your Jira project.

  2. View WSJF Score: The plugin automatically calculates and displays the WSJF score. You can see this score on your issue view screen and in your issue list views (e.g., backlog, board).

  3. Sort Issues: Sort issues by WSJF score in your backlog, boards, or sprints.

    • Business Projects: Use the “Sort Issues by WSJF” button in the Apps section of the horizontal navigation menu.
    • Software Projects: Use the “WSJF Actions” button in the top right corner of your board.

How the Plugin Works

WSJF Calculation

  • Formula: WSJF = (Business Value + Time Criticality + Risk Reduction or Opportunity Enablement) / Job Size
  • Automatic Calculation: WSJF values update instantly when input fields change.
  • Empty Values: Treated as 0 (ensure “Job Size” is never 0 to avoid errors).

WSJF Inheritance

  • Inheritance: Issues can inherit WSJF values from parent epics.
  • Configuration: Enable/disable inheritance in project settings.

Sorting Functionality

  • Sort Locations: Sort from the agile boards.
  • Sort Scopes: Sort the entire board, backlog, or sprints.
  • Sort Order: Descending order of WSJF value.
  • Manual Override: Re-order issues after sorting.

Settings and Configuration

Project Settings

Configure plugin settings in Project settings > WSJF for Jira settings.

  • Map Custom Fields: Change fields used in the WSJF formula.
  • Toggle WSJF Inheritance: Enable or disable inheritance.

Default Project Settings

Configure global default settings in Settings > Apps > Default project settings

Tips and Best Practices

  • Define Input Scales: Ensure your team understands the scales used.
  • Regularly Review WSJF Values: Keep values updated.
  • Train Your Team: Ensure everyone understands WSJF.
SetupData Center