Understanding Cycle Time and Feedback Loops in Scrum with Kanban

Cycle time is an important metric in Kanban, but its role as a leading indicator for the length of the Scrum Team’s feedback loop needs careful consideration.

Exam Question

True or False: Cycle time is a direct leading indicator for the length of the Scrum Team’s feedback loop for a product backlog item.
A. True
B. False

Correct Answer

B. False

Explanation

Correct Answer

B. False:
Cycle time is a measure of how long it takes for a work item to move from the start of work to its completion. While it provides valuable insights into how efficiently work is being processed, it is considered a lagging indicator because it reflects what has already happened. Therefore, cycle time is not a direct leading indicator for the length of the feedback loop. Leading indicators are metrics that can provide insights into what might happen in the future, such as Work Item Age or WIP limits, which help teams predict and manage workflow before work is completed.

Key Points on Cycle Time and Feedback Loops

• Cycle Time as a Lagging Indicator: Cycle time measures the time taken to complete work but does not predict how long current or future items will take.
• Feedback Loop Length: The length of the feedback loop is more closely associated with leading indicators like Work Item Age, which tracks how long an item has been in progress and signals when intervention might be needed.
• Predictive Metrics: While cycle time provides valuable historical data, it does not serve as a predictive tool for managing the length of feedback loops or for forecasting future performance.

Relevance to the PSK I Exam

Understanding the difference between leading and lagging indicators, particularly in the context of cycle time and feedback loops, is important for the PSK I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of how to use metrics effectively in a Scrum with Kanban environment.

Key Takeaways

• Cycle time is a lagging indicator, reflecting how long work has taken, not predicting future feedback loop lengths.
• Leading indicators like Work Item Age are more effective for managing and predicting the length of feedback loops.
• Effective use of metrics requires understanding their role in both historical analysis and future prediction.

Conclusion

Cycle time is a valuable metric for understanding past performance, but it is not a leading indicator for predicting the length of the Scrum Team’s feedback loop. For more information on preparing for the PSK I exam, visit our Professional Kanban PSK I™ Exam Prep.