Addressing the Lack of a Definition of Done in Sprint Planning
The Definition of Done (DoD) is a crucial aspect of Scrum, ensuring that all Scrum Team members have a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete and potentially releasable. When a Scrum Team does not have a clear standard for releasable software during Sprint Planning, they need to establish a Definition of Done to guide their work.
Exam Question
At Sprint Planning, the Scrum Team has NO clear standard to meet for releasable software. What should the Scrum Team do?
(choose the best answer)
A. Specify a Definition of Done.
B. Ask the Scrum Master what they should do.
C. Create a unique completion checklist for each item in the Sprint.
D. Ask the Product Owner to specify a Definition of Done.
Correct Answer
A. Specify a Definition of Done.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. Specify a Definition of Done:
The Definition of Done is a critical component of Scrum that defines the criteria for when a Product Backlog item or Increment is considered complete. If the Scrum Team does not have a clear standard for what constitutes releasable software, it is imperative that they specify a Definition of Done. This ensures that everyone on the team shares a common understanding of what it means to complete work to a releasable standard, thereby avoiding ambiguity and ensuring quality.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
B. Ask the Scrum Master what they should do:
While the Scrum Master can facilitate discussions and guide the team, it is not their responsibility to dictate what the Definition of Done should be. The Scrum Team, including the Developers and Product Owner, must collaboratively decide on the Definition of Done.
C. Create a unique completion checklist for each item in the Sprint:
Creating a unique checklist for each item can lead to inconsistencies and confusion about what is considered done. A standard Definition of Done provides a consistent, clear, and agreed-upon set of criteria that applies to all work items, promoting alignment and quality.
D. Ask the Product Owner to specify a Definition of Done:
While the Product Owner has a stake in the Definition of Done, it should not be created by the Product Owner alone. The entire Scrum Team should be involved in defining it, ensuring that it reflects both the technical and business perspectives.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the importance of the Definition of Done and how to establish it during Sprint Planning is crucial for the PSD exam. It ensures that all team members are aligned on what constitutes completion, leading to higher-quality deliverables.
Key Takeaways
- Definition of Done is essential for ensuring that all work meets a shared standard of quality and completeness.
- The Scrum Team should collaboratively specify the Definition of Done if it is not already established.
- A consistent Definition of Done helps prevent ambiguity and confusion and promotes the delivery of high-quality, potentially releasable software.
Conclusion
When the Scrum Team lacks a clear standard for releasable software during Sprint Planning, they should specify a Definition of Done to ensure that all work meets an agreed-upon level of quality and completeness. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
