Work Hierarchy (Scrum)
Work (tasks) are simplified to three tiers, but can have more. From lowest to highest: (User) Stories, Epics, Initiatives. Stories are based on Epics, and Epics are based on Initiatives.
Stories
(User) Stories are short requirements or requests written from the perspective on an end user. This is work that can typically be completed with a 1-2 week sprint. A story is typically framed under an Epic. You can think of stories as daily/weekly work.
Examples of stories could be…
- Mobile users need vertical support
- Desktop users need a fullscreen function
- Ability to share to social media
Epics
Epics are a bigger, more generic work goals that may take several sprints, equating to maybe 2-3 epics per quarter. Epics are big enough to be deconstructed into Stories. You can think of epics as pillars or milestones.
Examples of Epics could be…
- Improving streaming services for Quarter 1 (Q1)
- Overhaul and uplift landing UI
- Migrate production to Scrum
Initiatives
Initiatives are much bigger than Epics. These can take multiple quarters to a year to complete, consisting of multiple Epics. You can think of Initiatives as a foundation to all ongoing work.
Examples of Initiatives could be…
- Lower costs by 5%
- Deliver a stable product
- Establish a firm brand name