Overview
This metric compares the forecasted work (remaining effort for all work in
progress added to estimated effort for newly released work) to the available
capacity (people and facilities), with the objective of maintaining the forecasted
work within a range or threshold of the available organization's capacity to
do this work.
Keeping this metric within the predefined threshold prevents systematic work
overload and creation of bottlenecks on the project and operational teams,
which in turn results in higher levels of productivity and velocity.
Measurement method
Total forecasted work (in-progress and newly added) compared to total available
work capacity.
Measurement analysis
This metric is typically captured and monitored as part of the portfolio monitoring
and controlling activity, so that flags and exceptions can be created as soon
as the forecasted work falls outside of the predefined capacity range. When
exceptions are identified, the portfolio manager (or responsible manager) drills
down into the specifics of the situation to identify corrective actions required.
Examples
- Breakdown of forecasted work vs. capacity by:
-
- Work pipelines
- Functional and operational teams
- Critical skills and competencies within the organization
- Fixed capacity facilities (for example: testing and integration facilities)
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