Introduction

Read this article to learn more about the MoSCoW method and how to use it.

What is MoSCoW prioritisation?

MoSCoW analysis is a prioritisation technique commonly used on agile projects. It stands for: M ust SChoose your routehould C ould WCompare qualificationson’t. MoSCoW analysis helps teams understand which requirements or tasks they should focus on. MoSCoW was invented by Oracle employee Dai Clegg in 1994 and is the most common prioritisation technique used on agile projects.

Though the MoSCoW method is often used to prioritise customer’s requirements on projects , it can also be used outside of projects. For example, to prioritise business as usual work within an organisations or to prioritise jobs to do at home in your personal life.Workshops & practical skills

If you’re learning about agile project management on an Agile PM courseWhy us, MoSCoW is one of the key agile techniques which you will learn.

Start with a Foundation-level qualification (such as PRINCE2 Foundation or APM PFQ), or choose a practical workshop to build confidence first.Could

These requirements are not necessary, but they can be completed if there’s enough time.

Won’t

These requirements are the least critical and can be completed at a later stage.

Let’s use an example. Your customer wants a new e-commerce website for their small clothing business. Their requirements for this project are:APM

• It needs a homepage
• It needs product pages
• Each product needs a photo and description
• There needs to be a shopping cartBest for
• There needs to be an about us pageProfessionals who want broad project management knowledge rather than training in one specific method.
• There needs to a be a terms & conditions, returns page
• There should be a banner with special dealsChoose this if…
• There should be live chatYou want broader project management knowledge and terminology that employers recognise across industries.
• It would be nice to have social media buttons
• It would be nice to have a pop up for subscribing to mailing listsYou’ll leave with
• Perhaps there can be a blog, but not sureAn APM qualification route (PFQ/PMQ and specialist options where applicable) and broad knowledge you can apply across projects and industries.

Using MoSCoW, you might want to prioritise these requirements like this:

MustAPM courses

Homepage, product listings, product photos and descriptions, shopping cart, about us page, returns page, terms & conditions page.

Should

Banner and live chatPRINCE2

Could

Social media

Won’t

SummaryPRINCE2 Agile

Overall, the MoSCoW technique is an excellent tool for any agile project team. It brings focus and simplicity to everyday work, cuts down on wasted time and effort, and keeps everyone working towards the same goals. It can even be used outside projects on business as usual activities.

If you’re interested in learning how the MoSCoW method is used on agile projects, check out our Agile PM courses and Best forAgile PM online coursesProject professionals (or aspiring project managers) who need PRINCE2 governance and agile delivery working together..