Module Review: Strategy

Key Takeaways

  1. Vision ≠ Strategy ≠ Roadmap:
    • Vision: Future state (3-5 years). “The North Star”.
    • Strategy: The approach to get there.
    • Roadmap: The tactical plan (Now/Next/Later).
  2. Now, Next, Later: Use horizons of uncertainty instead of dates to manage expectations and maintain trust.
  3. RICE Framework: Prioritize using Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort to remove bias.
  4. Buy vs. Build: Only build your Core (differentiators). Buy Context (utilities).
  5. TCO: The cost of software includes maintenance, security, and training—not just the initial build time.

Interactive Flashcards

Test your knowledge of the key concepts.

Question

What is TCO?

(Click to flip)

Answer

Total Cost of Ownership. It includes Acquisition, Operation, Maintenance, and Training costs.

Strategy Cheat Sheet

Concept Definition When to use
Vision Pyramid Mission → Vision → Strategy → Roadmap Aligning the organization
RICE Score (Reach × Impact × Confidence) / Effort Prioritizing features
MoSCoW Must, Should, Could, Won’t Negotiating scope
TCO Dev Cost + Maintenance + Ops Buying vs. Building decisions
Wardley Map Value Chain vs. Evolution Situational awareness

Next Steps

Now that you have mastered Strategy, it’s time to move to Operations.

Back to Glossary