Handling Incomplete Work at the End of a Sprint
In Scrum, if a Scrum Team cannot complete its work by the end of the Sprint, the team does not extend the Sprint. Instead, they adhere to the original timebox, reflect on what happened, and adapt accordingly.
Exam Question
What happens if the Scrum Team cannot complete its work by the end of the Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Sprint is extended temporarily. Lessons are taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
B. The Sprint is extended and future Sprints use this new duration.
C. The Sprint length is unchanged and the Scrum Team continuously learns and adapts.
Correct Answer
C. The Sprint length is unchanged and the Scrum Team continuously learns and adapts.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C. The Sprint length is unchanged and the Scrum Team continuously learns and adapts:
In Scrum, the length of the Sprint is fixed and should not be changed once it has started. If the Scrum Team cannot complete the work planned for the Sprint, they should reflect on the reasons during the Sprint Retrospective. This reflection helps the team to continuously improve their planning, estimation, and execution processes. Unfinished work is typically returned to the Product Backlog and can be prioritized and planned for a future Sprint.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
A. The Sprint is extended temporarily. Lessons are taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again:
Extending the Sprint contradicts the Scrum principle of maintaining a consistent timebox. The fixed Sprint length allows for regular, predictable delivery cycles and continuous improvement. Extending the Sprint disrupts this cadence and can lead to variability and uncertainty in the process.
B. The Sprint is extended and future Sprints use this new duration:
Adjusting the Sprint duration based on incomplete work undermines the discipline of timeboxing in Scrum. The fixed Sprint duration is essential for creating a rhythm and allowing the team to learn and adapt within a consistent framework. Changing the Sprint length can create confusion and reduce the team’s ability to plan effectively.
Importance of Fixed Sprint Length
- Predictability: A consistent Sprint length provides a predictable rhythm for planning, development, and delivery.
- Continuous Improvement: Fixed timeboxes encourage regular reflection and adaptation, helping the team to improve their processes incrementally.
- Transparency: A fixed Sprint length enhances transparency and stakeholder engagement by setting clear expectations for delivery cycles.
Effective Practices for Handling Incomplete Work
- Sprint Retrospective: Use the Sprint Retrospective to discuss what went well, what didn’t, and how the team can improve. This continuous feedback loop helps the team to adapt and improve their performance.
- Product Backlog Refinement: Move incomplete work back to the Product Backlog and re-prioritize it based on current goals and needs.
- Improving Estimation: Work on improving estimation techniques and planning to better match the team’s capacity and capabilities.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding how to handle incomplete work and the importance of maintaining a fixed Sprint length is crucial for the PSU I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of Scrum principles and the continuous improvement process.
Key Takeaways
- The Sprint length is unchanged even if the work is not completed by the end of the Sprint.
- Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for improving the Scrum process.
- Fixed Sprint lengths provide predictability, encourage continuous improvement, and enhance transparency.
Conclusion
In Scrum, if the Scrum Team cannot complete its work by the end of the Sprint, the Sprint length remains unchanged. The team reflects on the reasons during the Sprint Retrospective and adapts to improve future Sprints. This approach ensures continuous improvement and maintains the integrity of the Scrum framework. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
