The MoSCoW strategy is also called MoSCoW analysis or MoSCoW prioritization. It is a prioritization methodology used in business analysis, management, project management, and application development to establish a common understanding with stakeholders of the great significance of delivering each requirement.
During a project, MoSCoW prioritizing is a method for constructing levels of priorities. It depends on the agile project method, which seeks to identify as many factors as early as possible, such as product pricing, quality, and goals. “MoSCoW” stands for “must-have, should-have, could-have, and won’t have,” with each letter designating a different priority category.
Moscow Prioritization Model
Dai Clegg of Oracle UK consultancy devised MoSCoW analysis to identify priorities inside projects with strict time restrictions. This is a particularly critical approach in agile methodology, prioritizing items with the highest business value. The product features that a team considers to be the most valuable is most likely to be developed and implemented.
Advantages of the MoSCoW Method
Look at the following improvements after adding a level of priorities to the MoSCoW system:
- It is not necessary to walk through multiple rounds of work prioritization. A team cannot tell which of the six Must-have needs is the most crucial or difficult; therefore, they must do another round of prioritization. From the first round, the technique allows us to create priorities and comprehend the relevance and complexity of each assignment.
- Sprints distribute according to events. A sprint with just Must-have tasks has a slim chance of getting completed. Must-haves are typically more sophisticated needs that ensure a product’s viability, necessitating more work and commitment on the creator’s part. The team can include some S0, C0, or S1 tasks in the sprints to balance out high-level work with low-hanging fruit, allowing consumers to get a little more out of the necessary Must-have procedures.
- Products that are more appealing to end-users. While M3 and M2 tasks are typically critical for a product’s viability, Could- and Should-haves may provide more enjoyable options (additional filters, changing a theme, notifications.
What Are the Criteria for Prioritizing MoSCoW?
The MoSCoW prioritization method uses a simple set of criteria to identify the importance of projects. The MoSCoW requirements assist teams in prioritizing strategically and logically. This technique reduces squandered time, squabbles, and misdirection. It also removes as much prejudice as possible from the process, allowing everyone to see the needs objectively.
The four categories of priority needs are as follows:
Must have
These efforts or features are crucial to the project’s success. Without them, the project will be a flop.
Should have
These Project parts are essential, Even though they are not as crucial as the “must-have” bucket.
Could have
These features are excellent and would add a lot to the project, but they are unnecessary. Consider including them if the team has the time.
Will not have
These features are not good enough to justify the time, effort, or money. The team can explore them later, but they are unnecessary right now.
Final Thoughts
MoSCoW is a technique for prioritizing requirements utilized in various situations. If there is an established environment and formed team, and the external risks are small, anything more significant than 60% threatens the team’s achievement and predictability. It is time-saving. All team members who participate in the prioritization process save time by selecting all priorities at once.