MoSCoW Prioritization

Requirement prioritization method developed by Dai Clegg (1994) for agile project management and product development.

The MoSCoW Method:

  • Must have: Non-negotiable requirements, project fails without them
  • Should have: Important but not vital, can be worked around if necessary
  • Could have: Desirable but not necessary, nice to have
  • Won't have (this time): Lowest priority, not planned for current iteration
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MUST HAVE

0

Critical requirements that must be delivered

Project fails without these

SHOULD HAVE

0

Important but not critical

Can be worked around if necessary

COULD HAVE

0

Desirable but not necessary

Implement if time and resources permit

WON'T HAVE (this time)

0

Lowest priority items

Not planned for this iteration

Recommended Reading

📘 "Agile Project Management with Scrum" by Ken Schwaber → Check on Amazon → Check on Amazon

Essential guide to Scrum methodology, including prioritization techniques like MoSCoW used in agile development.

📘 "Dynamic Systems Development Method: The Method in Practice" by Jennifer Stapleton → Check on Amazon → Check on Amazon

Original DSDM methodology book where MoSCoW prioritization was first formally documented by Dai Clegg.

📄 "Agile Estimating and Planning" by Mike Cohn

Comprehensive guide on agile planning techniques, including practical application of MoSCoW prioritization.