Empiricism means working in a fact-based, experience-based, and evidence-based manner. Scrum implements an empirical process where progress is based on observations of reality, not assumptions about plans and future tasks.
Levels of empiricism
Each layer of an agile organisation has the opportunity to pivot to change, and adapt future delivery plans, based on evidence.
Portfolio: Yearly planning, quarterly review.
Program: Quarterly planning, quarterly review.
Team: 2-weekly planning, 2-weekly review.
Tools for empiricism: OKRs
OKRs provide Product Managers a powerful mechanism to inspect value-based metrics in order to understand:
Investment in existing products
Investment in new products and services
Investment in capability – improved pivot, decreased costs, more throughput