Strategies for Effective Nexus Sprint Planning

Managing dependencies in a large-scale Scrum environment, such as a six-team Nexus developing a complex e-commerce application, requires careful planning and coordination. The right strategies can significantly improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.

Exam Question

Scenario B: Six Team Nexus with complex dependencies

A six team Nexus is developing a full-featured e-commerce application. There are different parts of the application that only certain Scrum Teams can work on. In fact, there are some highly specialized individuals outside the Nexus that are required for some of the work. In past Sprints the Nexus encountered challenges dealing with the many dependencies between Scrum Teams.
Which of the following practices could this Nexus try in order to conduct Nexus Sprint Planning more effectively?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Have the Nexus Integration Team select the work for each of the individual Scrum Teams. This allows the Nexus Integration Team to control the dependencies.
B. Visualize the known dependencies in the Product Backlog for all to see. As teams select work for the Sprint, they can easily check for any dependent work and communicate with other teams.
C. Plan one Scrum Team’s Sprint at a time before moving on to the next team. This way you can account for time zone differences and communicate dependencies across all teams.
D. Ensure all Scrum Teams and outside experts are available during the Nexus Sprint Planning event and have a way of quickly communicating with each other. They should try to be together in the same room or use technology that makes it seem as they are in the same room.

Correct Answers

B. Visualize the known dependencies in the Product Backlog for all to see. As teams select work for the Sprint, they can easily check for any dependent work and communicate with other teams.
D. Ensure all Scrum Teams and outside experts are available during the Nexus Sprint Planning event and have a way of quickly communicating with each other. They should try to be together in the same room or use technology that makes it seem as they are in the same room.

Explanation

Correct Answers

B. Visualize the known dependencies in the Product Backlog for all to see. As teams select work for the Sprint, they can easily check for any dependent work and communicate with other teams:
This strategy ensures that dependencies are transparent and visible to all teams during Sprint Planning. By visualizing dependencies, teams can make informed decisions about the work they select for the Sprint, reducing the risk of unforeseen interdependencies causing delays.

D. Ensure all Scrum Teams and outside experts are available during the Nexus Sprint Planning event and have a way of quickly communicating with each other. They should try to be together in the same room or use technology that makes it seem as they are in the same room:
Having all relevant individuals available during Sprint Planning facilitates real-time communication and quick resolution of any dependency issues. Physical or virtual co-location helps streamline discussions and decisions, ensuring that all teams are aligned and can effectively plan their work.

Why the Other Options Are Less Effective

A. Have the Nexus Integration Team select the work for each of the individual Scrum Teams. This allows the Nexus Integration Team to control the dependencies:
While the Nexus Integration Team is responsible for facilitating coordination, having them select the work for each team could centralize decision-making too much. This might reduce the autonomy of individual Scrum Teams and lead to bottlenecks.

C. Plan one Scrum Team’s Sprint at a time before moving on to the next team. This way you can account for time zone differences and communicate dependencies across all teams:
Planning one team’s Sprint at a time can be inefficient and time-consuming. It might also delay communication of dependencies between teams, which could hinder overall coordination and planning effectiveness.

Benefits of Proactive Dependency Management

• Improved Coordination: Identifying and addressing dependencies early ensures better coordination among teams.
• Increased Efficiency: Efficient handling of dependencies prevents delays and promotes smoother Sprint execution.
• Enhanced Collaboration: Regular meetings and discussions foster a collaborative environment where teams can openly address and resolve issues.

Relevance to the SPS Exam

Understanding effective strategies for managing dependencies in a Nexus is crucial for the SPS exam. It demonstrates the ability to apply scaled Scrum practices to real-world scenarios, ensuring that large-scale projects are managed efficiently.

Key Takeaways

• Visualizing dependencies in the Product Backlog enhances transparency and coordination during Sprint Planning.
• Ensuring all relevant individuals are available during Sprint Planning facilitates effective communication and quick resolution of dependency issues.
• Proactive dependency management leads to improved coordination, efficiency, and collaboration.

Conclusion

Managing dependencies effectively is essential in a Nexus with multiple Scrum Teams. By focusing on early identification and collaborative resolution of dependencies, teams can enhance their productivity and deliver high-quality products. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.