Essential Composition of a Scrum Team

In Scrum, the structure and composition of the Scrum Team are crucial for its effectiveness. Let’s explore the essential components that every Scrum Team should have.

Exam Question

Every Scrum Team should have: (choose the best answer)

• A. The competencies and skills needed to deliver an Increment in a Sprint.
• B. At least one representative from each major department, such as Quality Assurance, Development, and Marketing.
• C. One Lead Developer and no more than 8 other members.

Correct Answer

A. The competencies and skills needed to deliver an Increment in a Sprint.

Explanation

Why A is Correct

A. The competencies and skills needed to deliver an Increment in a Sprint:

Scrum Teams must be cross-functional, meaning they possess all the skills necessary to create a valuable, usable Increment by the end of each Sprint. This includes skills in development, testing, and any other areas needed to complete the work. Cross-functionality ensures that the team can work independently and self-manage to deliver value without external dependencies.

Why B and C are Incorrect

B. At least one representative from each major department, such as Quality Assurance, Development, and Marketing:

While having diverse skills is essential, Scrum Teams should not be structured around departmental representation. The focus should be on cross-functional collaboration rather than fulfilling departmental quotas. This approach can lead to silos and hinder team cohesion and flexibility.

C. One Lead Developer and no more than 8 other members:

Scrum does not prescribe specific roles such as a Lead Developer within the Scrum Team. The emphasis is on self-management and shared responsibility among all team members. Additionally, while the ideal team size is typically 3-9 members, the roles and responsibilities are shared equally without a hierarchy.

Key Points

• Cross-Functionality: The team must have all the necessary skills to deliver a complete Increment.
• Self-Management: Teams should be self-managing, with shared responsibility and no hierarchical roles.
• Flexibility: The structure should support flexibility and collaboration without rigid departmental representation.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined, providing clear goals and priorities for the team.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates the Scrum process, helping the team adhere to Scrum principles and removing impediments.
• Developers: Collaborate as a cross-functional team to deliver a usable Increment by the end of each Sprint.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding the essential composition of a Scrum Team is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates appreciate the importance of cross-functionality, self-management, and collaboration within the Scrum framework.

Conclusion

Every Scrum Team should have the competencies and skills needed to deliver an Increment in a Sprint. This cross-functional capability ensures that the team can work independently, self-manage, and deliver value without external dependencies. Understanding this principle is essential for effective Scrum implementation.

For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.