Actions When Workload Exceeds Capacity During Sprint Planning
During Sprint Planning, it’s essential for the Scrum Team to realistically assess their capacity to complete the work. If the Developers realize that the workload may be greater than their capacity, they must take appropriate actions to address the issue. Let’s explore the valid actions they can take.
Exam Question
As the Sprint Planning progresses, the Developers realize that the workload may be greater than their capacity to complete the work. Which two are valid actions? (choose the best two answers)
- A. The Developers work overtime during this Sprint.
- B. Cancel the Sprint.
- C. The Developers ensure that the Scrum Team is aware, start the Sprint, and monitor progress.
- D. Remove or change selected Product Backlog items.
- E. Recruit additional Developers before the work can begin.
Correct Answers
C. The Developers ensure that the Scrum Team is aware, start the Sprint, and monitor progress.
D. Remove or change selected Product Backlog items.
Explanation
Why C and D are Correct
C. The Developers ensure that the Scrum Team is aware, start the Sprint, and monitor progress:
Transparency is a key principle in Scrum. By ensuring that the entire Scrum Team is aware of the potential capacity issue, the team can collectively monitor progress throughout the Sprint. This allows for real-time adjustments and helps the team stay aligned with the Sprint Goal.
D. Remove or change selected Product Backlog items:
Adjusting the scope of the Sprint by removing or changing selected Product Backlog items is a valid approach to ensure that the workload is manageable. This helps the team maintain focus on delivering a valuable increment within their capacity.
Why A, B, and E are Incorrect
A. The Developers work overtime during this Sprint:
While working overtime might seem like a solution, it goes against the principle of sustainable pace, which is important for maintaining long-term productivity and team morale.
B. Cancel the Sprint:
Cancelling the Sprint is not an appropriate action for workload management. Sprints should continue unless the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete or unachievable.
E. Recruit additional Developers before the work can begin:
Recruiting additional Developers at the last minute is not practical and goes against the principles of team stability and cohesion. The Scrum Team should work with the existing team members to manage the workload.
Key Points
- Transparency: Ensuring the Scrum Team is aware of the capacity issue promotes transparency and collective problem-solving.
- Scope Adjustment: Adjusting the scope of the Sprint by modifying the Product Backlog items helps align the workload with the team’s capacity.
- Sustainable Pace: Maintaining a sustainable pace is crucial for long-term productivity and team well-being.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Collaborates with the Developers to adjust the Product Backlog items as needed to fit within the Sprint capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates discussions and helps the team adhere to Scrum principles, ensuring that any adjustments are made transparently and effectively.
- Developers: Assess their capacity, communicate transparently, and make necessary adjustments to ensure a manageable workload.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding how to manage workload issues during Sprint Planning is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge helps candidates appreciate the importance of transparency, scope adjustment, and maintaining a sustainable pace within the Scrum framework.
Conclusion
When the Developers realize that the workload may be greater than their capacity during Sprint Planning, the valid actions are to ensure the Scrum Team is aware, start the Sprint, and monitor progress, and to remove or change selected Product Backlog items. These actions promote transparency, effective workload management, and adherence to Scrum principles.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
