Gaming the System: Using Simulations to Understand Flow
When it comes to agile many people get caught up with the adoption of particular frameworks rather than focusing on the goal of actual agility in work and releasing software.
In this session we'll discuss the fundamentals underpinning all frameworks - maintaining flow and explore how the choices you make impact it .
We'll reinforce each of your learnings with some simple simulations using dice and sticky notes that you can then use with your own teams to teach the same concepts.
Outline/Structure of the Simulation
NOTE: Still need to assess how to break up room to do simulations - likely each group will only do 1 simulation and then we'll compare results across groups. Timings for each simulation will need to be taken to determine which of the below scenarios can be done in time.
NOTE: Each simulation will use dice to simulate the work being done by a team to complete items displayed on a kanban board. Depending on the simulation work may progress to the next step, get blocked, require rework etc.
1. Provide an overview of continuous flow, and the theory of constraints. Introduce the scenarios that we'll be discussing and simulating during the session.
2. Discuss the importance of small batch sizes on the speed of getting work done, and the time to feedback.
(i) Run the simulation with different batch sizes and compare results.
(ii) Simulation should show that small batch sizes result in faster feedback and reduced time to complete all work.
(iii) Conclusion - Small batch sizes improve flow of work
3. Discuss the impact of batch size on the amount of rework in a team.
(i) Run 2 simulations with Large tickets and Small tickets
(ii) Simulation results should show that small tickets result in less rework
(iii) Conclusion - small batch sizes also reduce the amount of rework
4. Discuss the approach that you should take when work items become blocked. (minimising WIP).
(i) Run 2 different WIP limit simulations - picking up new work instead of unblocking work
(ii) Simulation should show that picking up more work results in less work getting done.
(iii) Conclusion - minimising WIP is key to getting work done
5. Discuss the theory of constraints and WIP limits
(i) Run 2 different WIP limit simulations - process with and without constraints (reassigned team member)
(ii) Simulation should show that picking up more work results in less work getting done.
(iii) Conclusion - sometimes it's important to sacrifice individual effectiveness for team efficiency.
6. Discuss the importance of setting Sprint Goals and Prioritisation
(i) Run 2 simulations - tickets are picked up in random order and Prioritised order (based on value)
(ii) Simulation should show that Prioritised order results in more value being delivered.
7. Discuss the impact on having dependencies between work items.
(i) Run 2 simulations; Dependencies between large tickets, dependencies between small tickets.
(ii) Simulation should show that dependencies between small tickets as less of an impact. Results in either case should be worse that Simulation #1 where there we no dependencies
(iii) Conclusion: Remove dependencies wherever possible
8. Discuss queuing theory and quality of service.
(i) Run three simulations where "priority" tickets are introduced. Tickets without expedited lane. Tickets with priority lane. Small tickets without expedited.
(ii) Simulation should show that small tickets without expedited is fastest, followed by with expedited lane.
(iii) Conclusion: Slice stories small whenever possible!
Learning Outcome
1. Learn the importance of the following to maintaining flow and delivering value:
a. small batch sizes
b. limitting WIP
c. reducing dependencies
d.priortising work.
e. Look at how many scenarios are improved with small batch sizes - remember to slice!
2. Learn some simple simulations/exercises that you can use with your team to teach them the same concepts
Target Audience
Software Engineers, Business Analysts, agile delivery leads & scrum masters, agile coaches
Prerequisites for Attendees
none required
schedule Submitted 10 months ago
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