MoSCoW Method is one of the most successful methodology to prioritize the result oriented tasks in Business analysis and software development.

The MoSCoW approach to prioritization originated from the DSDM methodology (Dynamic Software Development Method), which was possibly the first agile methodology

According to the Wikipeida Definition, The MoSCoW method is a prioritization technique used in management, business analysis, project management, and software development to reach a common understanding with stakeholders on the importance they place on the delivery of each requirement – also known as MoSCoW prioritization or MoSCoW analysis.

For “MoSCoW” The main project objectives are as under:

– Scope,
– Quality,
– Timescale / Span and
– Resources.

Term “MoSCoW” stand for :

M – MUST have this. [Mandatory]
S – SHOULD have this. [ If at all possible ]
C – COULD have this. [ If it does not affect anything else at all ]
W – WON’T have this. [ Its not require this time but WOULD like in the future ]

Let us understand all key four component of MoSCoW one by one in detail:

M – MUST have this. [Mandatory]

– This term indicate nonnegotiable action towards that task or priority. This will contents the highest priority for the relevant action to perform.

S – SHOULD have this. [ If at all possible ]
– These terms indicate that It could bring excellent result if we do it. We can say it would be priority one tasks or activity to perform for a result.

C – COULD have this. [ If it does not affect anything else at all ]
– This term indicate that If you do have these then it will not affect anything from your process. However, it is still required even tough it has to be a non-value added factor

W – WON’T has this. [ Its not require this time but WOULD like in the future ]

– These terms indicate that it is not at all required, it also non-value added and overhead which could be taken off and that will affect positively to overall performance or process.