Managing Specialist Constraints in Scrum
When multiple Scrum Teams are working from the same Product Backlog and encounter resource constraints, effective collaboration and problem-solving are essential. This article explores a specific exam question about handling the dependency on an external specialist, providing detailed explanations and insights relevant to the PSM II exam.
Exam Question
You are the Scrum Master for four teams working from the same Product Backlog. Several of the developers come to you complaining that work identified for the upcoming two Sprints will require full time commitment from Phil, an external specialist. As the Scrum Master what should you do to solve this upcoming problem? (choose the best answer)
- A. Prepare the Sprint Backlogs each day for the teams so Phil can spend some time in each team.
- B. Allocate Phil to one team per Sprint, so that over four Sprints every team will have had the support it requires.
- C. Consult with the Scrum Teams on how they want to handle this problem, and help them implement their preferred solution.
- D. Ask Phil for a plan to hire and train additional people in his domain, and in the meantime work with the Product Owner and the Scrum Teams to re-prioritize the work so that tasks not depending on Phil can be done first.
Correct Answer
C. Consult with the Scrum Teams on how they want to handle this problem, and help them implement their preferred solution.
Explanation
Correct Answer
C. Consult with the Scrum Teams on how they want to handle this problem, and help them implement their preferred solution: As a Scrum Master, facilitating self-management and collaboration within the Scrum Teams is crucial. By consulting with the teams, you empower them to discuss and decide on the best approach to manage the dependency on Phil. This collaborative approach fosters ownership and creativity in problem-solving, aligning with Scrum principles.
Incorrect Answers
A. Prepare the Sprint Backlogs each day for the teams so Phil can spend some time in each team: This approach undermines the self-management principle of Scrum. The Scrum Master should not prepare the Sprint Backlogs; instead, the teams should collaboratively plan their work during Sprint Planning.
B. Allocate Phil to one team per Sprint, so that over four Sprints every team will have had the support it requires: This solution does not address the immediate problem effectively. Teams might face delays if they have to wait for Phil’s availability, leading to inefficiencies.
D. Ask Phil for a plan to hire and train additional people in his domain, and in the meantime work with the Product Owner and the Scrum Teams to re-prioritize the work so that tasks not depending on Phil can be done first: While long-term capacity planning is essential, it does not provide an immediate solution for the upcoming Sprints. Re-prioritizing work might help temporarily, but it does not address the root cause collaboratively.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product by managing and ordering the Product Backlog. They should collaborate with the Scrum Teams to ensure that the backlog items are prioritized effectively, considering dependencies and constraints.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates problem-solving and collaboration within the Scrum Teams. They coach the teams to self-manage and make decisions that align with Scrum principles.
- Developers: Developers work together to deliver potentially releasable increments. They should collaborate to find solutions to dependencies and constraints, ensuring continuous progress.
Relevance to the PSM II Exam
Understanding how to facilitate problem-solving and collaboration in Scrum Teams is crucial for the PSM II exam. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of Scrum principles and the importance of self-management and teamwork. Mastering this concept ensures that Scrum Masters can guide their teams in effectively managing dependencies and constraints.
Key Takeaways
- Facilitate collaboration and self-management within the Scrum Teams to solve problems.
- Engage with the teams to discuss and decide on the best approach to manage dependencies and constraints.
- Empower teams to take ownership of their processes and problem-solving.
Conclusion
Managing specialist constraints in Scrum requires effective facilitation and collaboration. By consulting with the Scrum Teams and helping them implement their preferred solution, the Scrum Master fosters self-management and ownership. This approach aligns with Scrum principles and ensures that the teams can effectively manage dependencies and constraints. Understanding these principles is essential for effective Scrum implementation and success in the PSM II exam. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM II Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
