Computer science > Agile methodologies > Scrum >
Epics

Last updated on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Definition:

The audio version of this document is provided by www.studio-coohorte.fr. The Studio Coohorte gives you access to the best audio synthesis on the market in a sleek and powerful interface. If you'd like, you can learn more and test their advanced text-to-speech service yourself.

In Agile methodologies, an Epic is a large, high-level feature or initiative that is broken down into smaller, more manageable user stories. Epics help teams to plan and prioritize work by providing a big picture view of the project while allowing for flexibility and adaptability in delivery.

Understanding Epics in Agile Methodologies

Within the realm of agile methodologies, particularly in the context of Scrum, the concept of Epics plays a crucial role in project management and product development.

What are Epics?

Epics are large bodies of work that can be broken down into a number of smaller stories or tasks. They are essentially big, ambitious ideas that may take weeks or even months to complete. Epics are used to capture and manage substantial initiatives or features within a project.

Characteristics of Epics:

1. Size: Epics are significant bodies of work that are larger in scope than individual user stories. They often span multiple sprints and involve cross-functional teams.

2. Complexity: Epics are complex and may require further decomposition into smaller, more manageable stories to be implemented effectively.

3. Uncertainty: There may be uncertainties or unknowns associated with epics, requiring additional analysis and planning before they can be fully understood and executed.

4. Business Value: Epics provide substantial business value and are aligned with the overall objectives and goals of the project or product.

Managing Epics in Agile Projects:

When dealing with epics in agile projects, it is essential to follow certain best practices:

1. Prioritization: Prioritize epics based on their business value, dependencies, and potential impact on the project's timeline and resources.

2. Decomposition: Break down epics into smaller, more manageable user stories that can be easily implemented within a sprint.

3. Continuous Refinement: Regularly review and refine epics as more information becomes available and project requirements evolve.

4. Collaboration: Encourage close collaboration among team members, stakeholders, and product owners to ensure that epics are well understood and delivered effectively.

By effectively managing and implementing epics in agile projects, teams can streamline their workflow, prioritize work effectively, and deliver valuable features that align with the overarching goals of the project or product.

If you want to learn more about this subject, we recommend these books.