Managing Dependencies and Product Backlog Items in a Nexus
Effective management of dependencies is crucial in a Nexus with multiple Scrum Teams, especially during Nexus Sprint Planning. This ensures smoother Sprint execution and coordination among teams.
Exam Question
Scenario C: Dependencies and Product Backlog Items
During the Nexus Sprint Planning, representatives from each of the 9-member Scrum Teams identify many dependencies. This makes it hard for them to choose the work they could pull into their individual teams for the next Sprint. No matter how they reorganize the Product Backlog items, they continually find more or new dependencies.
What techniques could help this Nexus manage their dependencies effectively?
(choose the best two answers)
A. The Nexus Integration Team should complete the dependent work ahead of the Sprint for the teams.
B. Reorganize team members between the teams to eliminate cross-team dependencies.
C. Extend the Sprint so that the teams can have more time to complete the dependent work.
D. Reorder Product Backlog items so that you can accommodate dependencies.
Correct Answers
B. Reorganize team members between the teams to eliminate cross-team dependencies.
D. Reorder Product Backlog items so that you can accommodate dependencies.
Explanation
Correct Answers
B. Reorganize team members between the teams to eliminate cross-team dependencies:
By reorganizing team members, you can place those with the necessary skills to handle dependencies within the same team. This reduces the need for cross-team coordination and helps streamline the workflow within individual teams.
D. Reorder Product Backlog items so that you can accommodate dependencies:
Reordering the Product Backlog items to address dependencies first ensures that dependent work is completed in a logical sequence. This helps minimize disruptions and allows teams to focus on their respective tasks without waiting on other teams.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
A. The Nexus Integration Team should complete the dependent work ahead of the Sprint for the teams:
Having the Nexus Integration Team complete dependent work ahead of the Sprint can create a bottleneck and reduce the overall agility of the teams. It also places an undue burden on the Nexus Integration Team and might lead to incomplete or rushed work.
C. Extend the Sprint so that the teams can have more time to complete the dependent work:
Extending the Sprint duration is against the principles of Scrum. It disrupts the regular cadence of delivery and can lead to reduced focus and efficiency over time.
Benefits of Effective Dependency Management
- Improved Coordination: Reducing cross-team dependencies enhances coordination and collaboration.
- Increased Efficiency: Addressing dependencies in advance or through strategic reorganization improves overall team efficiency.
- Streamlined Workflow: Logical reordering of tasks ensures a smoother and more predictable workflow.
Relevance to the SPS Exam
Understanding how to manage dependencies effectively in a Nexus is critical for the SPS exam. It showcases the ability to implement scaled Scrum practices efficiently and ensures that large-scale projects are handled effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Reorganizing team members to minimize cross-team dependencies can significantly enhance team efficiency.
- Reordering Product Backlog items to address dependencies first ensures a smoother workflow.
- Effective dependency management leads to better coordination, increased efficiency, and streamlined project execution.
Conclusion
Managing dependencies in a Nexus is essential for ensuring smooth and efficient Sprint execution. By strategically reorganizing team members and reordering Product Backlog items, teams can reduce cross-team dependencies and enhance their productivity. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.
