Impact of Adding Scrum Teams to an Existing Product
When additional Scrum Teams are added to a product that previously had only one Scrum Team, several factors can influence the immediate impact on the productivity of the original Scrum Team. These factors include coordination challenges, dependencies, and the integration of work. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for effectively scaling Scrum and ensuring smooth collaboration among multiple teams.
Exam Question
If two Scrum Teams are added to a product that previously had only one Scrum Team, what will be the immediate impact on the productivity of the original Scrum Team?
(choose the best answer)
A. Its productivity is likely to decrease.
B. Its productivity is likely to increase.
C. Its productivity is likely to stay the same.
Correct Answer
A. Its productivity is likely to decrease.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. Its productivity is likely to decrease:
The immediate impact of adding two new Scrum Teams to an existing team working on a product is typically a decrease in productivity for the original team. This decrease is primarily due to the increased complexity of coordination and communication among the teams, as well as the need to integrate their work.
Factors Influencing the Decrease in Productivity
- Coordination Overhead: With more teams working on the same product, the need for coordination increases significantly. The original team will need to spend time aligning their work with the new teams, which can lead to reduced focus on their own tasks.
- Integration Challenges: Integrating the work of multiple teams can be complex and time-consuming. The original team will likely encounter new dependencies and integration issues that need to be resolved, which can slow down their progress.
- Communication Barriers: Effective communication becomes more challenging with the addition of new teams. Ensuring that all teams are on the same page requires additional meetings, documentation, and synchronization efforts.
- Shared Resources: The original team might need to share resources (such as environments, tools, or subject matter experts) with the new teams, leading to potential bottlenecks and delays.
Importance of Effective Scaling
To mitigate the initial drop in productivity, it’s essential to implement effective scaling practices, such as:
- Establishing Clear Communication Channels: Regular meetings, such as Nexus Daily Scrums, can help ensure that all teams are aligned and aware of each other’s progress and dependencies.
- Defining Integration Practices: Developing a robust strategy for integrating work across teams can help minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth workflow.
- Facilitating Cross-Team Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing between teams can help address issues quickly and maintain a high level of productivity.
Relevance to the SPS Exam
Understanding the dynamics of scaling Scrum with multiple teams is crucial for the SPS exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to manage large-scale Scrum projects effectively, ensuring that all teams can work together harmoniously and deliver valuable increments.
Key Takeaways
- Adding new Scrum Teams to an existing product team typically leads to an immediate decrease in productivity for the original team.
- Coordination, integration, and communication challenges are the primary reasons for the initial drop in productivity.
- Implementing effective scaling practices can help mitigate the impact and ensure smooth collaboration among multiple teams.
Conclusion
Adding new Scrum Teams to an existing product team introduces several challenges that can initially decrease productivity. However, with proper planning and effective scaling practices, these challenges can be managed to ensure that all teams work together efficiently. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.
