A prioritization technique used in software development and project management to categorize requirements based on their importance and feasibility. The acronym stands for:
- M – Must-have: These are the essential requirements that must be included for the project to be considered a success. Without these, the project cannot be delivered.
- S – Should-have: These requirements add significant value to the project but are not critical for its success. They can be postponed if necessary, but their inclusion is highly desirable.
- C – Could-have: These are nice-to-have requirements that would enhance the project but are not essential. They can be included if time and resources permit, but they are the first to be cut if constraints arise.
- W – Won’t-have (or Would-like): These are the least critical requirements that are either not feasible within the current scope or have been deliberately excluded. They may be considered for future iterations but are not a priority for the current project.
The MoSCoW method helps teams prioritize requirements, manage scope, and ensure that the most critical features are delivered first. By focusing on the must-haves and should-haves, teams can allocate resources effectively and make informed trade-off decisions when faced with constraints.
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