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Local Optimization

By Miranda Dulin
Published in Glossary
March 26, 2024
1 min read
Local Optimization

Definition of Local Optimization

Local Optimization is improving a specific part without considering the whole system’s impact.

Back of a vocabulary card for the term Local Optimization
Back of a vocabulary card for the term Local Optimization

Pronunciation Spelling

LOH-kuhl op-tuh-my-ZAY-shuhn

Example Sentence

The team’s local optimization did not translate to global improvement.

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Significance

Agile practitioners should know “local optimization” to recognize when focusing on improving one part of a system might negatively impact the overall system’s performance. This understanding helps avoid suboptimal outcomes by considering the entire system’s effectiveness rather than just individual components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is difference between local and global optimization?

Local and global optimization are like zooming in and out on a map. Zooming in (local) is like focusing on details within a team, while zooming out (global) is about seeing the big picture for the whole organization.

Additional Resources

  • Practical Kanban: From Team Focus to Creating Value
  • Seeing (and Hearing) Local Optimization

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Miranda Dulin

Miranda Dulin

Scrum Master

Table Of Contents

1
Definition of Local Optimization
2
Pronunciation Spelling
3
Example Sentence
4
Significance
5
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
6
Additional Resources

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