Strategies for Managing Dependencies in a Six Team Nexus
Managing dependencies in a large-scale Scrum environment, such as a six-team Nexus developing a complex e-commerce application, requires careful planning and coordination. The right strategies can significantly improve efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
Exam Question
Scenario B: Six Team Nexus with complex dependencies
A six team Nexus is developing a full-featured e-commerce application. There are different parts of the application that only certain Scrum Teams can work on. In fact, there are some highly specialized individuals outside the Nexus that are required for some of the work. In past Sprints the Nexus encountered challenges dealing with the many dependencies between Scrum Teams.
Which of the following two strategies would be most effective in dealing with their dependencies?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Discover and document dependent work during Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog, so teams are aware of dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning. This will allow Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving dependencies for the upcoming Sprint.
B. Have the Nexus Integration Team order the Nexus Sprint Backlog. They should control and resolve the dependencies.
C. During Nexus Sprint Planning, have appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus briefly meet to discuss dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning.
D. Gather all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event. Discover, document and resolve dependencies during this time.
Correct Answers
A. Discover and document dependent work during Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog, so teams are aware of dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning. This will allow Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving dependencies for the upcoming Sprint.
C. During Nexus Sprint Planning, have appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus briefly meet to discuss dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. Discover and document dependent work during Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog, so teams are aware of dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning:
This strategy ensures that dependencies are identified and documented early during the Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog. By addressing dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning, teams can use the planning session to focus on resolving any remaining issues for the upcoming Sprint. This approach promotes a proactive stance on managing dependencies, which can lead to smoother Sprint Planning and execution.
C. During Nexus Sprint Planning, have appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus briefly meet to discuss dependencies for the upcoming Sprint:
Bringing representatives from each team together during Nexus Sprint Planning to discuss dependencies allows for immediate communication and resolution of any potential blockers. This collaboration ensures that all teams are aligned and can plan their work with a clear understanding of interdependencies. It fosters direct communication and collective problem-solving, which are critical in large-scale Scrum environments.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
B. Have the Nexus Integration Team order the Nexus Sprint Backlog. They should control and resolve the dependencies:
While the Nexus Integration Team plays a crucial role in facilitating integration and coordination, having them order the Nexus Sprint Backlog and control dependencies might centralize decision-making too much. This approach could reduce the autonomy of individual Scrum Teams and lead to bottlenecks if the Nexus Integration Team becomes overloaded.
D. Gather all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event. Discover, document and resolve dependencies during this time:
A 48-hour planning event is excessive and impractical for regular Sprint Planning. It can lead to fatigue and decreased productivity. While long planning sessions might address dependencies thoroughly, they are not sustainable for continuous improvement and could disrupt the regular flow of work.
Benefits of Proactive Dependency Management
- Improved Coordination: Identifying and addressing dependencies early ensures better coordination among teams.
- Increased Efficiency: Efficient handling of dependencies prevents delays and promotes smoother Sprint execution.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Regular meetings and discussions foster a collaborative environment where teams can openly address and resolve issues.
Relevance to the SPS Exam
Understanding effective strategies for managing dependencies in a Nexus is crucial for the SPS exam. It demonstrates the ability to apply scaled Scrum practices to real-world scenarios, ensuring that large-scale projects are managed efficiently.
Key Takeaways
- Discovering and documenting dependencies during Cross-Team Refinement helps streamline Nexus Sprint Planning.
- Involving representatives from each team in Nexus Sprint Planning promotes direct communication and collective problem-solving.
- Proactive dependency management leads to improved coordination, efficiency, and collaboration.
Conclusion
Managing dependencies effectively is essential in a Nexus with multiple Scrum Teams. By focusing on early identification and collaborative resolution of dependencies, teams can enhance their productivity and deliver high-quality products. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.
