What is the ideal maximum time for smaller work items that are decomposed from Product Backlog items during Sprint Planning?

The ideal maximum time for smaller work items that are decomposed from Product Backlog items during Sprint Planning is one day or less. This practice aligns with Agile principles, emphasizing the importance of breaking down work into manageable units that can be completed quickly, allowing for better predictability and flexibility within the Sprint.

When work items are small enough to be completed in a day or less, they enable teams to maintain a steady pace and easily adapt to changing circumstances or requirements. This approach supports frequent feedback loops, which are crucial in Agile methodologies, as it allows the team to demonstrate progress to stakeholders frequently and to adjust plans based on newly gathered insights.

Additionally, smaller work items reduce the risk of bottlenecks, as they can be pulled into the workflow more fluidly. If a work item takes longer than one day, it might indicate that it needs to be further decomposed to ensure better visibility, manageability, and accountability for the team.

In contrast, while items might be completed in a week or less, or even two days or less, moving toward one day or less is generally considered more advantageous for fostering an Agile environment where quick iterations and adaptations can occur.