Handling Requests for Status Reports in Scrum
In Scrum, transparency and progress are primarily communicated through the Sprint Review and the inspection of Increments. When an external manager requests a status report, it’s important to adhere to Scrum principles while addressing the request.
Exam Question
The IT manager asks a Scrum Team for a status report describing the progress throughout the Sprint. The Scrum Team asks the Scrum Master for advice. The Scrum Master should: (choose the best answer)
- A. Create and deliver the report to the manager herself.
- B. Talk to the IT manager and explain that progress in Scrum comes from inspecting an Increment at the Sprint Review.
- C. Ask the Product Owner to send the manager the report.
- D. Tell the Scrum Team to figure it out themselves.
- E. Tell the Developers to fit the report into the Sprint Backlog.
Correct Answer
B. Talk to the IT manager and explain that progress in Scrum comes from inspecting an Increment at the Sprint Review.
Explanation
Why B is Correct
B. Talk to the IT manager and explain that progress in Scrum comes from inspecting an Increment at the Sprint Review:
The Scrum Master’s role includes educating stakeholders about Scrum practices and principles. By explaining to the IT manager that progress is assessed during the Sprint Review through the inspection of the Increment, the Scrum Master reinforces the importance of transparency and empirical process control in Scrum. This approach helps align external stakeholders with Scrum values and practices.
Why A, C, D, and E are Incorrect
A. Create and deliver the report to the manager herself: This action undermines the self-managing nature of the Scrum Team and the principle of transparency in Scrum. It also sets a precedent that may lead to more requests for reports outside the Scrum framework.
C. Ask the Product Owner to send the manager the report: The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product and managing the Product Backlog, not for providing status reports. This action would distract the Product Owner from their primary responsibilities.
D. Tell the Scrum Team to figure it out themselves: While self-management is important, the Scrum Master should guide the team in understanding and adhering to Scrum principles, rather than leaving them to handle external requests without support.
E. Tell the Developers to fit the report into the Sprint Backlog: This action adds unnecessary work to the Sprint Backlog and distracts the Developers from delivering the Increment. Progress should be communicated through Scrum events, not additional reports.
Key Points
- Education: The Scrum Master educates stakeholders about Scrum practices.
- Transparency: Progress is communicated through the Sprint Review and inspection of the Increment.
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 how to handle external requests for status reports while adhering to Scrum principles is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of transparency, empirical process control, and stakeholder education in Scrum.
Conclusion
When an external manager requests a status report, the Scrum Master should educate the manager about how progress is communicated in Scrum, specifically through the Sprint Review and the inspection of the Increment. This approach reinforces Scrum principles and ensures that stakeholders understand and respect the Scrum framework.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
