Part 3: Advancing and Refining the Activity

Chapter 8: Define Clear Acceptance Criteria for Backlog Items

Section 12: Resources for Further Learning

Introduction

This section is dedicated to providing Product Owners with a curated list of resources for further learning on defining clear acceptance criteria for backlog items. Understanding the importance of well-defined acceptance criteria is crucial for guiding development efforts and ensuring the delivery of quality features. The resources listed here aim to deepen your knowledge and skills in this area, offering insights from industry experts, practical tips, and opportunities for hands-on learning.

List of Learning Materials

Articles and Blogs
– “The Art of Writing Great Acceptance Criteria” – This article offers a comprehensive guide on crafting effective acceptance criteria, emphasizing clarity and testability.
– “Acceptance Criteria: A Guide for Product Owners” – A blog post that breaks down the concept of acceptance criteria and provides examples to illustrate best practices.

Videos and Webinars
– “Defining and Using Acceptance Criteria in Agile” – A webinar that explores the role of acceptance criteria in Agile development, including how to collaborate with your team to create them.
– “Mastering the Craft of Acceptance Criteria” – A video tutorial that provides step-by-step guidance on writing acceptance criteria that drive quality and alignment.

Training Programs and Workshops
– “Agile Product Ownership: Defining Acceptance Criteria” – A workshop designed for Product Owners, focusing on the skills needed to define clear and actionable acceptance criteria.
– “Effective User Stories and Acceptance Criteria” – A training program that covers the essentials of writing user stories and defining acceptance criteria, with practical exercises.

Books
– “User Stories Applied: For Agile Software Development” by Mike Cohn – This book includes a section on acceptance criteria within the context of user stories, offering insights into their importance and how to craft them effectively.
– “Agile Estimating and Planning” by Mike Cohn – Another valuable resource by Mike Cohn, providing a broader perspective on planning in Agile projects, including the role of acceptance criteria.

Online Communities and Forums
– Agile Alliance Community – A platform where Agile practitioners share experiences and advice, including discussions on acceptance criteria.
– Scrum.org Forums – An online community where you can ask questions and exchange ideas on various Scrum topics, including backlog management and acceptance criteria.

Exploring these resources will equip you with a deeper understanding of how to define clear acceptance criteria for backlog items, an essential skill for any Product Owner. By advancing your knowledge and refining your approach, you can enhance the development process, ensure the delivery of high-quality features, and contribute to the success of your Agile team.