Facilitating a Sprint Review
A Sprint Review is a crucial event in Scrum, aimed at inspecting the Increment and adapting the Product Backlog based on stakeholder feedback. As a facilitator, guiding the group towards productive outcomes ensures that the event achieves its goals effectively.
Exam Question
As a facilitator what outcome(s) do you guide the group towards when facilitating a Sprint Review?
(choose the best answer)
A. Stakeholders get a thorough overview of all the Product Backlog items delivered in the Sprint by the Scrum Team.
B. The Scrum Team is able to demo their work without any problems.
C. The Scrum Team inspects the Increment together with their stakeholders and based on feedback they collectively agree to a desired number of Product Backlog items for the next Sprint.
D. None of the above.
Correct Answer
A. Stakeholders get a thorough overview of all the Product Backlog items delivered in the Sprint by the Scrum Team.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. Stakeholders get a thorough overview of all the Product Backlog items delivered in the Sprint by the Scrum Team:
The primary outcome of the Sprint Review is to ensure that stakeholders are fully informed about the progress made during the Sprint. This involves providing a comprehensive overview of all the Product Backlog items that have been completed. This transparency is crucial for stakeholders to understand the current state of the product and provide meaningful feedback.
Why the Other Options Are Less Relevant
B. The Scrum Team is able to demo their work without any problems:
While demonstrating the work done is important, the main purpose of the Sprint Review is to provide stakeholders with a thorough overview of the completed work.
C. The Scrum Team inspects the Increment together with their stakeholders and based on feedback they collectively agree to a desired number of Product Backlog items for the next Sprint:
This option includes an additional step of collectively agreeing on the next Sprint’s Product Backlog items, which is not a primary outcome of the Sprint Review. The main goal is to review and get feedback on the Increment.
D. None of the above:
This option is incorrect as providing a thorough overview of completed Product Backlog items to stakeholders is indeed a key outcome of the Sprint Review.
Benefits of Effective Sprint Reviews
- Transparency: Ensures stakeholders are fully informed about the current state of the product.
- Feedback: Provides an opportunity for stakeholders to give feedback on the completed work.
- Alignment: Helps align the Scrum Team’s work with stakeholder expectations and needs.
- Adaptation: Allows for adaptation of the Product Backlog based on the feedback received.
PSF Skills Insights
- Facilitation Techniques: As a facilitator, guiding the discussion towards a thorough review and obtaining meaningful feedback is crucial for an effective Sprint Review.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged during the Sprint Review helps in gathering diverse perspectives and making better-informed decisions.
- Transparency: Facilitators should emphasize transparency and open communication to build trust and collaboration.
Relevance to the PSF Skills Exam
Understanding the purpose and outcomes of a Sprint Review is essential for the PSF Skills exam. This knowledge demonstrates the ability to facilitate effective Sprint Reviews that drive continuous improvement and alignment between the Scrum Team and stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- The primary outcome of a Sprint Review is to provide stakeholders with a thorough overview of completed Product Backlog items.
- Demonstrating work done and reviewing the Increment are parts of the Sprint Review but not the primary focus.
- Effective Sprint Reviews increase transparency, stakeholder engagement, and enable informed decision-making.
Conclusion
Facilitating a successful Sprint Review involves guiding the Scrum Team and stakeholders towards providing a comprehensive overview of completed work. This approach ensures continuous improvement and alignment with stakeholder needs. For more information on preparing for the PSF Skills exam, visit our Professional Scrum Facilitation Skills PSF Skills™ Exam Prep.
