Table of content
Welcome to our complete guide to delivering successful projects using Jira! In the world of agile software development, sprint closure is a critical step towards achieving project success.
You will learn how to close a sprint, why the right sprint closure procedure matters and 7 best practices for closing sprints in Jira.
How to close a sprint in Jira - Step by Step guide
Step 1: Log in to your Jira account and access the desired sprint
Step 2: Search for the “Complete Sprint” button in the top right corner, click on it
Step 3: A dialog window will appear on your screen with a summary of tasks that were completed. Any tasks that were not completed can be rescheduled for the next sprint of your preference. Click on "Complete"
Step 4: Your sprint was successfully closed and now you can create a new one.
If parent issues are marked as done but still have incomplete sub-tasks, closing the sprint is not possible since all sub-tasks must be completed beforehand. You can move these subtasks to the backlog and then proceed to close the sprint.
Why does the right sprint closure procedure matter?
It allows teams to evaluate their progress, identify areas for improvement, and celebrate their achievements.
During sprint closure, you get the opportunity to reflect on the goals and objectives set for the sprint and determine whether they were met.
Empowers you to review your project's success criteria and assess whether you have achieved the desired outcomes. This evaluation not only helps you measure your team's performance but also provides insights into the effectiveness of your project planning and execution.
7 Best practices for closing sprints in Jira
1. Reviewing Project Goals and Objectives
Before closing a sprint, it is crucial to review the goals and objectives that were set at the beginning of the sprint. This step ensures that the team is aligned and focused on delivering the intended outcomes. In Jira, you can easily access the sprint backlog and user stories to remind yourself of the initial objectives and evaluate whether they have been achieved.
2. Conducting a Sprint Retrospective
One of the most valuable aspects of sprint closure is conducting a retrospective meeting. This meeting provides an opportunity for the team to reflect on the sprint, discuss what went well, and identify areas for improvement. In Jira, you can create a dedicated retrospective board or use the built-in retrospective feature to facilitate this process.
During the retrospective, encourage open and honest communication among team members. Create a safe space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and ideas. Focus on both the positives and negatives of the sprint, and brainstorm actionable steps for future sprints.
3. Analyzing Sprint Metrics and Performance
To measure the success of a sprint, you should analyze relevant metrics and performance indicators. Jira provides a range of built-in reports and dashboards that can help you track key metrics such as velocity, burn-down rate, and sprint burndown. These metrics provide insights into your team's productivity and progress towards achieving the sprint goals.
By analyzing these metrics, you can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or areas where your team excelled. This analysis helps you make data-driven decisions to improve your team's performance in future sprints.
4. Updating Project Documentation and Knowledge Base
Sprint closure is an excellent opportunity to update your project documentation and knowledge base. During the sprint, your team acquires valuable knowledge and insights that should be captured and shared for future reference. This documentation can include lessons learned, best practices, and any changes made to the project's scope or requirements.
In Jira, you can easily add comments, attach files, or create dedicated knowledge base pages to store this information. By keeping your project documentation up to date, you ensure that valuable knowledge is retained and can be accessed by your team and future project members.
5. Celebrating Team Achievements and Recognizing Individual Contributions
Closing a sprint is a time for celebration and recognition. Take the opportunity to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of your team members. Recognize individual contributions and highlight team successes. This boosts morale, fosters a positive team culture, and motivates your team to continue delivering high-quality work.
In Jira, you can use features like badges or custom fields to publicly recognize team members' contributions.
6. Conducting a Sprint Demo and Obtaining Stakeholder Feedback
A sprint demo is an essential part of sprint closure, as it allows stakeholders to see the tangible outcomes of the sprint. In Jira, use the built-in features to showcase the completed user stories and demonstrate the functionality developed during the sprint.
During the demo, encourage stakeholders to provide feedback and ask questions. This feedback helps validate whether the sprint objectives were met and provides insights into the stakeholders' expectations. It also allows for early course correction and ensures that the final product meets the stakeholders' needs.
7. Ensuring a Smooth Transition to the Next Sprint
Finally, as you close a sprint, it is essential to ensure a smooth transition to the next sprint. This involves updating your project board, assigning tasks for the upcoming sprint, and communicating the sprint goals and timeline with your team. By properly transitioning from one sprint to another, you maintain the momentum and ensure a continuous flow of work.
In Jira, you can create a new sprint or plan future work using the backlog. Assign tasks, set priorities, and communicate the sprint plan with your team. This ensures that everyone is aligned and ready to hit the ground running in the upcoming sprint.
