MoSCoW prioritisation method
Key takeawaysInvoice/PO option available in checkout.
MoSCoW helps teams make clear trade-offs so the most valuable work is delivered first.
- MoSCoW categorises requirements into Must, Should, Could, and Won’t to create shared priorities.
- Focusing on Must items reduces risk by protecting the minimum needed for success.
- Should and Could items provide flexibility when time, budget, or resources tighten.Enrol
- Won’t items prevent scope creep by explicitly deferring low value work.
- Running a workshop with post-it notes and tracking outcomes on a Kanban board keeps alignment high.
Those with APM PMQ or equivalent project management knowledgeA requirement which must be completed and is vital for the project’s success. Without this requirement, the project will likely fail.
ShouldAnyone seeking the APM Project Risk Management Level 1 certificate
Whilst these requirements are important, they can be delayed if time, resources or money are tight. They are not as time-critical as musts.Benefits
Could Recognised qualification
These requirements are not necessary, but they can be completed if there’s enough time.
Won’t Gain an APM certificate that shows you understand project risk management fundamentals.
These requirements are the least critical and can be completed at a later stage. Stronger risk awareness
Let’s use an example. Your customer wants a new e-commerce website for their small clothing business. Their requirements for this project are:
- It needs a homepage Learn to spot potential threats and opportunities before they impact your project.
- It needs product pages Practical risk process
- Each product needs a photo and description
- There needs to be a shopping cart Understand each phase of a structured risk management process you can apply at work.
- There needs to be an about us page Clear roles and responsibilities
- There needs to a be a terms & conditions, returns page
- There should be a banner with special deals See how sponsors, project managers, risk owners, and others contribute to managing risk.
- There should be live chat Better decision-making
- It would be nice to have social media buttons
- It would be nice to have a pop up for subscribing to mailing lists
- Perhaps there can be a blog, but not sure Use simple qualitative and quantitative techniques to support informed project decisions.
Using MoSCoW, you might want to prioritise these requirements like this: Career development
Must
Homepage, product listings, product photos and descriptions, shopping cart, about us page, returns page, terms & conditions page. Strengthen your profile with specialist risk knowledge valued across project-based roles.
ShouldDelivery
Banner and live chat This course is delivered as live online instructor-led training. You’ll join scheduled virtual classes led by an experienced tutor, with opportunities to ask questions and work through examples together.
Could
Social media
Won’tDelivery
Blog Once prioritised, your team will know which requirements to work on first. To help keep everyone on the same page, it’s highly recommended you use a Kanban board. This can be a physical board in the office, or you can investigate digital boards, such as KanbanFlow and Trello.Duration
Summary
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.Live interactive sessions with accredited trainers
If you’re interested in learning how the MoSCoW method is used on agile projects, check out our CourseAgile PM courses and Agile PM online courses.