Understanding the Composition of a Scrum Team

A Scrum Team is a fundamental component of the Scrum framework, designed to maximize flexibility, creativity, and productivity. The team is self-managing, cross-functional, and responsible for delivering a potentially shippable Increment of product at the end of each Sprint.

Exam Question

A Scrum Team is a cohesive unit of professionals that consists of which of the following?
(choose all that apply)
A. Developers.
B. Users.
C. Customers.
D. One Product Owner.
E. One Scrum Master.

Correct Answers

A. Developers.
D. One Product Owner.
E. One Scrum Master.

Roles in a Scrum Team

A Scrum Team is composed of three specific roles:

Developers:

• The Developers are the individuals who perform the work required to build a product Increment.
• They are responsible for creating a plan for the Sprint, known as the Sprint Backlog.
• Developers ensure quality by adhering to the Definition of Done.
• They adapt their plan each day towards the Sprint Goal and hold each other accountable as professionals.

Product Owner:

• The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team.
• They are responsible for managing the Product Backlog, including its content, availability, and order.
• The Product Owner ensures that the Product Backlog is refined to the level needed and transparent to the team.

Scrum Master:

• The Scrum Master is responsible for promoting and supporting Scrum as defined in the Scrum Guide.
• They help everyone understand Scrum theory, practices, rules, and values.
• The Scrum Master serves the Scrum Team by removing impediments and ensuring that all Scrum events take place and are productive.

Non-Members of a Scrum Team

B. Users:
Users are the end-users of the product being developed by the Scrum Team. While their feedback is crucial, they are not part of the Scrum Team.

C. Customers:
Customers are the entities that pay for the product. Similar to users, their input is vital, but they are not included in the Scrum Team.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Focuses on creating and communicating the Product Goal and backlog items.
• Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum practices, removes impediments, and ensures that the team adheres to Scrum principles. Supports the team in self-management and continuous improvement.
• Developers: Collaborate to complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, including ensuring that all Product Backlog items meet the Definition of Done. Work together to achieve the Sprint Goal.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding the composition and responsibilities of a Scrum Team is critical for the PSM I exam. It ensures that you know who is involved in the Scrum process and their specific roles, which is fundamental to implementing Scrum effectively.

Key Takeaways

• Scrum Team Composition: A Scrum Team consists of Developers, one Product Owner, and one Scrum Master.
• Role Clarity: Each role has distinct responsibilities that contribute to the team’s ability to deliver value.
• Non-Members: Users and customers provide important feedback but are not part of the Scrum Team.

Conclusion

A Scrum Team is a cohesive unit of professionals comprising Developers, one Product Owner, and one Scrum Master. Each role is essential to the team’s success, and understanding these roles is crucial for effectively implementing Scrum and preparing for the PSM I exam.

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