Coordinating Work Across Multiple Scrum Teams
Managing dependencies and coordination between multiple Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog is a key challenge in scaled Scrum environments. Effective strategies and practices can greatly enhance productivity and transparency.
Exam Question
How should Product Backlog items be chosen when multiple Scrum Teams work from the same Product Backlog?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Developers pull work in agreement with the Product Owner.
B. The Scrum Teams choose the Weighted Shortest Job First.
C. The Product Owner should provide each team with its own Product Backlog.
D. The Scrum Team with the highest velocity pulls Product Backlog items first.
E. Each Scrum Team takes an equal number of items.
Correct Answer
A. The Developers pull work in agreement with the Product Owner.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. The Developers pull work in agreement with the Product Owner:
In a Scrum environment, especially with multiple teams working from a single Product Backlog, it is essential that the Product Backlog items are selected through collaboration. The Developers and the Product Owner work together to ensure that the most valuable and feasible items are chosen for the upcoming Sprint. This collaboration ensures that the work selected aligns with the overall Product Goal and maximizes value delivery.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
B. The Scrum Teams choose the Weighted Shortest Job First:
While the Weighted Shortest Job First (WSJF) is a useful prioritization technique in some Agile frameworks, it is not specifically prescribed in Scrum. The primary focus in Scrum is on value delivery and collaboration between the Product Owner and Developers to pull the highest value work.
C. The Product Owner should provide each team with its own Product Backlog:
Having separate Product Backlogs for each team can create silos and reduce transparency and collaboration. Scrum promotes a single Product Backlog to ensure all teams are working towards the same Product Goal.
D. The Scrum Team with the highest velocity pulls Product Backlog items first:
Prioritizing based on velocity can lead to unfair workload distribution and may not align with the highest value items being selected. The focus should be on collaboration and value rather than speed.
E. Each Scrum Team takes an equal number of items:
This approach does not consider the value or complexity of the items. The selection should be based on what delivers the most value, not an equal division of work.
Benefits of Collaborative Work Selection
- Aligned Goals: Ensures all teams are working towards the same Product Goal.
- Maximized Value: Focuses on delivering the highest value items first.
- Transparency: Maintains a single source of truth for work priorities.
Relevance to the SPS Exam
Understanding how to effectively coordinate work across multiple Scrum Teams is crucial for the SPS exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to manage dependencies, ensure alignment, and maximize value delivery in a scaled Scrum environment.
Key Takeaways
- Product Backlog items should be chosen through collaboration between Developers and the Product Owner.
- A single Product Backlog ensures transparency and alignment across teams.
- The focus should be on delivering value, not merely dividing work equally or by velocity.
Conclusion
Effective coordination of work in a multi-team Scrum environment involves collaboration and alignment with the Product Owner to ensure the highest value items are selected. This approach maximizes value delivery and supports the overall Product Goal. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.
