Managing Forecast Changes During a Sprint
When the Developers realize they may not complete everything they forecasted for a Sprint, it’s crucial to understand the appropriate actions and responsibilities of the Product Owner. This ensures that the team stays focused on the Sprint Goal while adapting to new insights.
Exam Question
The Developers find out during the Sprint that they are not likely to build everything they forecast. What would you expect a Product Owner to do? (choose the best answer)
- A. Cancel the Sprint.
- B. Change the Sprint Goal.
- C. Re-work the selected Product Backlog items with the Developers to meet the Sprint Goal.
- D. Skip Product Backlog refinement activities.
- E. Inform management that more Developers are needed.
Correct Answer
C. Re-work the selected Product Backlog items with the Developers to meet the Sprint Goal.
Explanation
Why C is Correct
C. Re-work the selected Product Backlog items with the Developers to meet the Sprint Goal:
The Product Owner collaborates with the Developers to ensure the most valuable work is completed. This involves re-evaluating and possibly re-ordering the selected Product Backlog items to maximize the value delivered within the Sprint. The focus remains on achieving the Sprint Goal, even if it means adjusting the scope of work.
Explanation of Incorrect Options
Why A is Incorrect
A. Cancel the Sprint:
Cancelling the Sprint is a drastic measure and typically only considered in extreme circumstances where the Sprint Goal is deemed unachievable. The preferred approach is to adapt and re-prioritize work to still deliver valuable outcomes.
Why B is Incorrect
B. Change the Sprint Goal:
The Sprint Goal should remain constant once set. It provides a shared objective for the team to focus on. Changing the Sprint Goal mid-Sprint undermines this focus and stability.
Why D is Incorrect
D. Skip Product Backlog refinement activities:
Product Backlog refinement is an ongoing activity that ensures the Product Backlog is in good shape for future Sprints. Skipping this activity would only defer potential issues and is not a solution to current Sprint challenges.
Why E is Incorrect
E. Inform management that more Developers are needed:
While resource adjustments can be considered for future Sprints, it’s not a solution for the immediate Sprint. The Scrum Team should focus on optimizing their current resources and workflow.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner:
- Primary Accountability: Ensures the team delivers the highest value within the constraints of the Sprint.
- Collaboration: Works with Developers to adapt the scope of work while maintaining focus on the Sprint Goal.
- Developers:
- Forecast Adjustments: Communicate any forecast changes and work with the Product Owner to re-prioritize tasks.
- Focus on Sprint Goal: Strive to meet the Sprint Goal, adapting work as necessary.
- Scrum Master:
- Facilitator: Supports the team in handling changes and ensures adherence to Scrum principles.
Relevance to the PSPO I Exam
Understanding how to manage changes during a Sprint is crucial for the PSPO I exam. It highlights the Product Owner’s role in maintaining focus on the Sprint Goal and collaborating with the Developers to adapt to new information.
Conclusion
Effective collaboration between the Product Owner and Developers is key when forecasted work changes during a Sprint. The Product Owner re-works the selected Product Backlog items with the Developers to ensure the Sprint Goal remains achievable, demonstrating adaptability and maintaining the delivery of valuable outcomes.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSPO I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
