Managing Dependencies and Integration in Scrum Nexus

Scrum Nexus is a framework designed to scale Scrum when multiple Scrum Teams work on a single product. When multiple Scrum Teams collaborate on one software product, managing dependencies and ensuring seamless integration of work is crucial for delivering a cohesive and functional product increment.

Exam Question

When working on one software product with multiple Scrum Teams in Scrum Nexus, what is important about the dependencies of the planned Backlog Items and integration of the work being done?

Explanation

Managing Dependencies in Scrum Nexus

• Identifying and Managing Dependencies Early:
  Importance: Dependencies between Product Backlog items must be identified and managed as early as possible. Failing to do so can lead to integration challenges and delays in delivering a functional Increment.
  Example: If one Scrum Team is working on the frontend and another on the backend, it’s essential to coordinate how these components will interact. Dependencies should be identified during refinement sessions and addressed before Sprint Planning.
• Cross-Team Collaboration:
  Importance: Collaboration between Scrum Teams is vital to ensure that dependencies are understood and managed effectively. This includes regular communication, shared refinement sessions, and collaborative Sprint Planning.
  Example: Teams might need to work together to align their development efforts, particularly when their work impacts shared components or services.
• Nexus Integration Team (NIT):
  Role: The Nexus Integration Team (NIT) is responsible for managing cross-team dependencies and ensuring that the work of all Scrum Teams is integrated into a cohesive Increment. This team facilitates communication, resolves conflicts, and addresses dependencies that could hinder integration.
  Example: If two teams are working on related features, the NIT ensures that their efforts are aligned and that the final product increment is seamlessly integrated.

Integration of Work in Scrum Nexus

• Continuous Integration:
  Importance: Continuous integration is essential in a multi-team environment to ensure that all work being done by different teams integrates seamlessly. It helps in catching integration issues early and facilitates the creation of a potentially shippable product increment.
  Example: Each team should regularly integrate their code into a shared repository, with automated tests running to ensure that new changes don’t break existing functionality.
• Shared Definition of Done:
  Importance: All Scrum Teams should adhere to a shared Definition of Done to ensure that the work being integrated meets the same quality standards and is consistent across the product.
  Example: If one team considers “done” to include automated testing and another does not, integration issues could arise. A shared Definition of Done ensures that all work meets the same criteria before it is integrated.
• Regular Nexus Sprint Reviews:
  Importance: Nexus Sprint Reviews are critical for inspecting the integrated work and ensuring that the combined efforts of all Scrum Teams are aligned with the Product Goal. It provides an opportunity to identify integration issues and address them before the product increment is released.
  Example: During the Nexus Sprint Review, stakeholders and teams review the integrated increment, providing feedback and identifying areas where further integration work may be needed.

Relevance to the PSM III Exam

In the PSM III exam, understanding how to manage dependencies and integration in a multi-team environment is crucial. This knowledge demonstrates an advanced understanding of Scrum at scale and the ability to apply Scrum principles effectively in complex environments.

Key Takeaways

• Dependency Management: Early identification and management of dependencies are crucial to ensure smooth integration and avoid delays.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Effective collaboration between Scrum Teams is essential for managing dependencies and ensuring a cohesive product increment.
• Continuous Integration: Regular integration of work helps to catch issues early and ensures that all teams’ work is aligned and functional.
• Shared Definition of Done: A shared Definition of Done ensures that all teams adhere to the same quality standards, facilitating smoother integration.

Conclusion

Managing dependencies and ensuring seamless integration is critical in a Scrum Nexus environment. By focusing on early identification of dependencies, fostering collaboration between teams, and adhering to continuous integration practices, Scrum Teams can deliver high-quality, integrated product increments. For more insights into scaling Scrum and preparing for the PSM III exam, visit our Scrum Master PSM III™ Exam Prep.