Managing Workload During the Sprint
During a Sprint, it’s not uncommon for Developers to realize that they have overestimated their capacity and selected too much work. Scrum provides mechanisms to handle such situations effectively and maintain the focus on delivering valuable, usable increments.
Exam Question
As the Developers start work during the Sprint, they realize they have selected too much work to finish in the Sprint. What should they do? (choose the best answer)
- A. Reduce the Definition of Done and get all of the Product Backlog items done by the new definition.
- B. As soon as possible in the Sprint, work with the Product Owner to remove some work or Product Backlog items.
- C. Find another Scrum Team to give the excess work to.
- D. Inform the Product Owner at the Sprint Review, but prior to the demonstration.
Correct Answer
B. As soon as possible in the Sprint, work with the Product Owner to remove some work or Product Backlog items.
Explanation
Why B is Correct
B. As soon as possible in the Sprint, work with the Product Owner to remove some work or Product Backlog items: In Scrum, transparency and early communication are key. As soon as Developers realize they cannot complete all the selected work, they should immediately communicate with the Product Owner. The Product Owner, who is responsible for maximizing the flow of value, will collaborate with the Developers to adjust the Sprint Backlog. This may involve removing some work or Product Backlog items to ensure that the most valuable work is prioritized and completed within the Sprint. This approach ensures that the Sprint Goal remains achievable and that the team focuses on delivering a potentially shippable Increment.
Why A, C, and D are Incorrect
A. Reduce the Definition of Done and get all of the Product Backlog items done by the new definition: Changing the Definition of Done to meet the workload undermines the quality standards of the Scrum Team. It is not an acceptable practice as it compromises the integrity and value of the Increment.
C. Find another Scrum Team to give the excess work to: Transferring work to another Scrum Team is not a viable solution as it disrupts the planning and commitments of both teams. Each Scrum Team is responsible for their own work and commitments.
D. Inform the Product Owner at the Sprint Review, but prior to the demonstration: Waiting until the Sprint Review to inform the Product Owner is too late. Timely communication and collaboration are essential to making necessary adjustments during the Sprint, not after it has ended.
Key Points
- Transparency and Early Communication: Developers should promptly communicate with the Product Owner when they realize they have selected too much work.
- Collaboration: The Product Owner and Developers collaborate to adjust the Sprint Backlog, ensuring that the most valuable work is completed within the Sprint.
- Maintaining Quality: The Definition of Done should not be compromised to fit the workload. Maintaining quality standards is crucial.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Collaborates with Developers to adjust the Sprint Backlog as needed.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates communication and collaboration, removes impediments, and helps the team adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Collaborate to complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment. Communicate early and work with the Product Owner to adjust work as needed.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding how to manage workload effectively during a Sprint is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge ensures that you recognize the importance of transparency, early communication, and collaboration in maintaining the focus on delivering valuable, usable increments.
Conclusion
When Developers realize they have selected too much work to finish in the Sprint, they should immediately collaborate with the Product Owner to adjust the Sprint Backlog. This approach ensures that the most valuable work is prioritized and completed within the Sprint, maintaining the integrity of the Scrum process and the quality of the Increment.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
