At Eclipse we pride outselves on making sure campaigns happen on time and within budget, but this doesn’t happen by accident. To ensure that project deadlines are met and budgets adhered to, there is one very simple prioritisation method that can be followed – The MoSCoW Method!
Introducing the MoSCoW Prioritisation Method:
MoSCoW is applied prior to the start of the project and must be agreed by all stakeholders to prioritise project requirements. Each individual requirement of the project must be placed in order of importance for successful delivery of the campaign.
It breaks down like this:
M = MUST HAVE: This is a requirement that has to be present in the final campaign for it to be a success.
S = SHOULD HAVE: This is a requirement that has a high priority but can be substituted by another means if absolutely necessary.
C = COULD HAVE: This requirement is one which is seen as nice to have if time and budget permit. If all Musts and Shoulds have been delivered within the timescale and budget, then the Coulds can become a priority.
W = WOULD HAVE: These requirements are ones that would be nice to have if at all possible and all other criteria have been fulfilled or is a requirement for the future, they are considered to be the least critical and will not stop or hinder the campaign or project in any way if not included.
The theory can be applied to many different types of project or campaign, whether you are the customer, responsible for creative, production, implementation or reporting. Below is an example of the MoSCoW Method at work in its most simple form.
The MoSCoW Method in Action:
You need to buy a new car, to travel to work in and to use with your partner and two children at the weekends. Your current vehicle runs out of MoT and Tax at the end of March and it is not going to be financially viable to get it through another MoT. You like the colour blue and most of your favourite music is on your iPod. Four wheel drives are your partners favourite and they really like the Range Rover Sport. Because of the cost of fuel you would prefer a diesel rather than petrol. You sometimes go on long journeys with the children so rear seat DVD players would keep them entertained.
The requirements:
- Need new vehicle
- The deadline 31st March
- 4 Seats
- 4 Doors
- iPod connectivity
- Blue Body Work
- 4 Wheel Drive
- Range Rover Sport
- Diesel
- Rear seat DVD players
The requirements after ‘The MoSCoW Method’ has been applied
MUST HAVES
Need new vehicle – As your exisiting car will not go through its MoT this is a must have
The dealine 31st March – You will have no means of transport from this date so this again is a must have.
4 Seats – To enable you and your family to travel this is a must have.
SHOULD HAVES
4 Doors – For ease of use with children getting in and out of the car this is a should have. If you had to buy a two door car you would still manage, but it wouldn’t be so practical.
Diesel – As you have worked out your monthly budget to take into account a diesel car this is a should have. But if you had to buy a petrol car to make sure you had it in time and it had four seats you could run a petrol car but it would mean you cutting back on another area of your lifestyle.
COULD HAVES
4 Wheel Drive – As this is the chosen style of vehicle this is a could have. If you could not find a 4 wheel drive in time or within budget a normal four door saloon would stull enable you and your family to get about, although without the additional space of a four wheel drive.
Blue body work – Again as this is a favourite this is a could have. When you are given a choice of ‘Could Haves’ there are sometimes hard decisions to be made. Would it be better to have a red four wheel drive car or a blue four door saloon, both options will tick all the boxes of ‘Must Haves’ and ‘Should Haves’ so the choice is yours.
WOULD HAVES
Range Rover Sport – This would be the ultimate choice of 4 wheel drive vehicle so is a would have. ‘Would Haves’ need to be looked at like a bit of a bonus really, if you managed to find a Blue BMW X5 in time and within budget you would be happy, but if you found a Blue Range Rover Sport that would complete your total wish list.
iPod connectivity – You have the option of CDs or Radio to listen to so this is a would have. This is a function that could be added at a later stage and would in no way affect the functionality of the car you choose or its operation.
Rear seat DVD players – You don’t do many long journeys and the children can always amuse themselves in another way, so this is a would have. This requirement could also be added at a later date and if proper planning is done could be added at the same time as the ipod to save some fitting charges and therefore making a financial saving.
I know this is a hyperthetical use of the ‘MoSCoW Method’ but hopefully it will help you realise how prioritising requirements can lead to a successful solution being delivered on time and on budget.
Do you use similar strategic thinking and prioritisation techniques? Do you use any alternative theories or thinking methods to plan your projects? Leave your comments and tips below.