Managing Multiple Scrum Teams for One Product
When multiple Scrum Teams are working together to build a single product, it is essential to ensure proper alignment and coordination across the teams. Certain conditions are crucial to maintaining a cohesive approach to product development.
Exam Question
You have just been hired by a company new to Scrum. Your management has assigned you to be the Scrum Master of six new Scrum Teams. These teams will build one product. Select two conditions you should strive for in this scenario.
(choose the best two answers)
A. The product has one Product Backlog.
B. There should be six Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team.
C. Each Scrum Team should have a separate Product Backlog.
D. There should be only one Product Owner.
E. There should be six Product Owners, reporting to a chief Product Owner.
Correct Answers
A. The product has one Product Backlog.
D. There should be only one Product Owner.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. The product has one Product Backlog:
In Scrum, when multiple teams are working on the same product, it is crucial to have a single Product Backlog. This ensures that all teams are working from the same set of priorities, which helps maintain alignment and focus on the most valuable features. A single Product Backlog provides a unified vision and direction for the product, allowing all teams to contribute effectively without duplication of effort or conflicting priorities.
D. There should be only one Product Owner:
To ensure clear accountability and decision-making, there should be only one Product Owner for the entire product. The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the Product Backlog. Having a single Product Owner ensures that there is one voice representing the customer and business needs, which helps prevent conflicts and ensures that all teams are aligned with the same priorities and goals.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
B. There should be six Product Owners, one for each Scrum Team:
Having multiple Product Owners for a single product can lead to confusion, conflicting priorities, and inefficiencies. It dilutes the accountability and decision-making that a single Product Owner provides, making it harder to maintain a consistent vision and direction for the product.
C. Each Scrum Team should have a separate Product Backlog:
Multiple Product Backlogs for the same product can lead to fragmentation, duplication of effort, and a lack of coherence in product development. It is essential to have a single Product Backlog to maintain a unified approach to product development.
E. There should be six Product Owners, reporting to a chief Product Owner:
While this structure attempts to centralize decision-making, it introduces unnecessary complexity and can create delays in decision-making. A single Product Owner with clear authority over the Product Backlog is more effective in ensuring that all teams are aligned and working towards the same goals.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the structure and roles within Scrum, especially when managing multiple teams working on the same product, is crucial for the PSD exam. This knowledge ensures that you can effectively manage and coordinate multiple teams to deliver a cohesive product.
Key Takeaways
- There should be a single Product Backlog for a product, even when multiple Scrum Teams are working on it.
- Having one Product Owner ensures clear decision-making and alignment across all teams working on the product.
- Multiple Product Owners or Backlogs can lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and misaligned priorities.
Conclusion
When managing multiple Scrum Teams working on the same product, it is essential to have one Product Backlog and one Product Owner. This structure ensures alignment, clarity, and effective prioritization across all teams. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
