The Scrum Master’s Role During the Sprint
The Scrum Master plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the Scrum Team operates efficiently and adheres to Scrum principles. During the Sprint, the Scrum Master’s responsibilities include facilitating processes and removing obstacles.
Exam Question
During the Sprint, the Scrum Master’s role is to do which two of the following: (choose the best two answers)
- A. Remove impediments.
- B. Escalate team conflicts to functional line managers.
- C. Monitor the progress of the Developers.
- D. Ensure the Product Owner attends all Scrum events.
- E. Facilitate inspection and adaptation opportunities as requested or needed.
- F. Assign tasks with the Scrum team.
Correct Answers
A. Remove impediments.
E. Facilitate inspection and adaptation opportunities as requested or needed.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. Remove impediments:
One of the primary responsibilities of the Scrum Master is to remove any obstacles that hinder the Scrum Team’s progress. By addressing impediments promptly, the Scrum Master helps maintain the team’s productivity and focus on achieving the Sprint Goal.
Why E is Correct
E. Facilitate inspection and adaptation opportunities as requested or needed:
The Scrum Master ensures that the team takes advantage of opportunities to inspect and adapt their processes and work. This includes facilitating Scrum events such as Sprint Retrospectives and Sprint Reviews, where the team can reflect on their progress and make necessary adjustments.
Why B, C, D, and F are Incorrect
B. Escalate team conflicts to functional line managers: The Scrum Master should facilitate conflict resolution within the team rather than escalating issues to external managers. Self-management and team empowerment are key principles of Scrum.
C. Monitor the progress of the Developers: The Scrum Master does not monitor the Developers’ progress in a supervisory manner. Instead, the Scrum Master ensures that the team follows Scrum practices and facilitates the removal of any blockers.
D. Ensure the Product Owner attends all Scrum events: While it is important for the Product Owner to be involved, the Scrum Master’s role is not to enforce attendance but to ensure that Scrum events are productive and beneficial.
F. Assign tasks with the Scrum team: The Scrum Master does not assign tasks. The Developers are self-managing and responsible for organizing and assigning their own work.
Key Points
- Removing Impediments: Ensuring that obstacles are promptly addressed to maintain team productivity.
- Facilitating Opportunities: Promoting continuous improvement through regular inspection and adaptation.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity.
- Scrum Master: Facilitates Scrum events, removes impediments, and helps teams adhere to Scrum principles.
- Developers: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the Scrum Master’s role during the Sprint is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of facilitation and impediment removal in supporting the Scrum Team’s productivity.
Conclusion
During the Sprint, the Scrum Master focuses on removing impediments and facilitating opportunities for inspection and adaptation. These actions help the Scrum Team work more efficiently and maintain their focus on achieving the Sprint Goal.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
