Forming Scrum Teams According to Scrum Theory
Creating effective Scrum Teams is crucial for the success of a Scrum project. According to Scrum theory, team formation should empower individuals to self-organize, ensuring that each team is well-equipped to deliver valuable increments.
Exam Question
In accordance with Scrum theory, how should a group of 100 people be divided into multiple Scrum Teams? (choose the best answer)
- A. Check with the allocation department to see who has worked together before and make these the first teams.
- B. Understanding the product, the product vision and the rules of the Scrum framework, the people divide themselves into teams.
- C. Create a matrix of skills, seniority, and level of experience to assign people to teams.
- D. It does not matter since you can rotate the teams every Sprint to spread knowledge.
Correct Answer
B. Understanding the product, the product vision and the rules of the Scrum framework, the people divide themselves into teams.
Explanation
Why B is Correct
B. Understanding the product, the product vision and the rules of the Scrum framework, the people divide themselves into teams: In Scrum, self-organization is a key principle. Teams should be formed by individuals who understand the product and its vision. This empowers team members to organize themselves in a way that best leverages their skills and knowledge to achieve the product goals. Self-organizing teams tend to be more motivated and collaborative, as they have a sense of ownership and accountability for their work.
Why A, C, and D are Incorrect
A. Check with the allocation department to see who has worked together before and make these the first teams: While previous working relationships can be beneficial, team formation should not be dictated solely by past collaborations. Self-organization allows for more dynamic and adaptable team structures.
C. Create a matrix of skills, seniority, and level of experience to assign people to teams: Assigning people based on a predefined matrix undermines the principle of self-organization. Teams should be formed based on their understanding of the product and their ability to work together effectively.
D. It does not matter since you can rotate the teams every Sprint to spread knowledge: Constantly rotating teams disrupts continuity and team cohesion. Stable teams are more likely to develop strong working relationships and improve over time.
Key Points
- Self-Organizing Teams: Teams should self-organize around the product vision and goals, leveraging their collective skills and knowledge.
- Empowerment and Ownership: Allowing individuals to form their own teams fosters a sense of ownership and accountability.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Collaborate to complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring all work meets the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the principle of self-organization in team formation is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge highlights the importance of empowering individuals to create effective, cohesive teams that can deliver high-quality increments.
Conclusion
According to Scrum theory, people should self-organize into teams based on their understanding of the product, its vision, and the rules of the Scrum framework. This approach promotes empowerment, ownership, and collaboration, leading to more effective and motivated teams.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
