A mathematical method to determine how many lines of communication exist between one node (person) and every other node in a group of people. A way to apply the Permutation Formula is to show that as team size increases, the lines of communication increase geometrically, to the point where effective 1:1 communication and team collaboration becomes more difficult and less effective. It is for this reason that the size of Agile teams most often falls in a range that falls between about 4 and 9. Drawing a series of dots to represent each node of communication, that is, each team member, and connecting those dots, is an effective way to illustrate this concept.

Related Media

Permutation Formula Video

Permutation Formula Podcasts

Permutation Formula Example

Related Subjects

Miller’s Law

Acknowledgements

Authored by Philip Rogers

 

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