Effective Management of Multiple Scrum Teams
Managing multiple Scrum Teams working on a single product requires clear organization and adherence to Scrum principles. When a company new to Scrum assigns a Scrum Master to oversee six new Scrum Teams, certain conditions must be met to ensure effective coordination and product development.
Exam Question
You have just been hired by a company new to Scrum. Your management has assigned you to be the Scrum Master of six new Scrum Teams. These teams will build one product. Select two conditions you should strive for in this scenario. (choose the best two answers)
- A. The product has one Product Backlog.
- B. There should be six Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team.
- C. Each Scrum Team should have a separate Product Backlog.
- D. There should be only one Product Owner.
- E. There should be six Product Owners, reporting to a chief Product Owner.
Correct Answers
A. The product has one Product Backlog.
D. There should be only one Product Owner.
Explanation
Why A and D are Correct
A. The product has one Product Backlog:
In Scrum, a single Product Backlog is maintained for a product, regardless of the number of Scrum Teams working on it. This ensures that all teams are aligned on the overall priorities and goals for the product. A unified Product Backlog helps maintain a coherent vision and avoids fragmentation of efforts.
D. There should be only one Product Owner:
A single Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the Product Backlog. Having one Product Owner ensures clear accountability and decision-making authority. It also facilitates consistent prioritization and vision for the product, which is crucial when multiple teams are involved.
Why B, C, and E are Incorrect
B. There should be six Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team: This approach would lead to fragmentation and conflicting priorities, making it difficult to maintain a coherent product vision. It goes against the Scrum principle of having a single Product Owner for each product.
C. Each Scrum Team should have a separate Product Backlog: Separate Product Backlogs for each team would create silos and hinder collaboration. It is essential to have one unified Product Backlog to ensure that all teams work towards the same product goals and priorities.
E. There should be six Product Owners, reporting to a chief Product Owner: This hierarchical structure complicates decision-making and dilutes the Product Owner’s accountability. A single Product Owner ensures streamlined and effective product management.
Key Points
- Unified Product Backlog: Ensures all teams work towards the same goals.
- Single Product Owner: Maintains clear accountability and consistent prioritization.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the importance of a unified Product Backlog and a single Product Owner is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge highlights the importance of clear accountability and consistent prioritization within the Scrum framework, especially when managing multiple teams.
Conclusion
When managing multiple Scrum Teams working on a single product, it is essential to maintain one Product Backlog and have a single Product Owner. This approach ensures that all teams are aligned on the product’s priorities and goals, facilitating effective coordination and product development.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
