Identifying Issues in Nexus Sprint Reviews
A well-conducted Nexus Sprint Review is critical for ensuring stakeholder engagement and gathering valuable feedback. If stakeholders do not find the review valuable, it can significantly impact the success of the product and the effectiveness of the Scrum Teams.
Exam Question
Scenario A: Nexus Sprint Review with Five Scrum Teams
There are five Scrum Teams working on a Product. During the Nexus Sprint Review, the teams present the results of the Sprint. After introductions, each team takes time to present their work for inspection by individually showing the new features they have built. They are not using a shared environment. The stakeholders do not provide much feedback. The event ends and people filter out of the room.
You overhear a few stakeholders talking about their concerns about the product after the Nexus Sprint Review. They didn’t find the review valuable. Why?
(choose the best answer)
A. The Nexus Sprint Review was not a review of the Integrated Increment and Nexus Sprint Goal, but rather a review of each team’s individual work.
B. The Nexus Sprint Review should have been longer. It failed to cover all completed work in detail.
C. The Stakeholders lack understanding of Scrum and coaching.
D. All of the above.
Correct Answer
A. The Nexus Sprint Review was not a review of the Integrated Increment and Nexus Sprint Goal, but rather a review of each team’s individual work.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. The Nexus Sprint Review was not a review of the Integrated Increment and Nexus Sprint Goal, but rather a review of each team’s individual work:
In a Nexus framework, it is crucial that the Nexus Sprint Review focuses on the Integrated Increment and the Nexus Sprint Goal. This ensures that stakeholders see the overall progress and integration of the work done by all teams. When reviews are limited to individual team presentations, it undermines the holistic view of the product, reduces the ability to inspect and adapt the overall product, and diminishes stakeholder engagement.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
B. The Nexus Sprint Review should have been longer. It failed to cover all completed work in detail:
While more time might allow for a detailed review, the core issue is not the length but the focus of the review. The key is to review the Integrated Increment rather than individual pieces of work.
C. The Stakeholders lack understanding of Scrum and coaching:
While stakeholder understanding of Scrum can affect the feedback quality, the primary reason for the ineffective review is the lack of focus on the Integrated Increment and Nexus Sprint Goal. Proper facilitation and explanation can address stakeholder concerns over time.
D. All of the above:
This option is incorrect because the primary issue lies in the review’s focus. Length of the review and stakeholder understanding are secondary issues that can be managed with effective facilitation and engagement strategies.
Importance of Focusing on the Integrated Increment
- Holistic View: Presenting the Integrated Increment ensures stakeholders understand the complete progress and integration of all teams’ work.
- Effective Feedback: It allows stakeholders to provide more meaningful and relevant feedback, addressing the product as a whole.
- Improved Adaptability: Reviewing the Integrated Increment supports better inspection and adaptation, leading to continuous improvement and alignment with the product goals.
Relevance to the SPS Exam
Understanding the importance of focusing on the Integrated Increment during Nexus Sprint Reviews is essential for the SPS exam. It demonstrates the ability to apply scaled Scrum practices effectively, ensuring comprehensive stakeholder engagement and valuable feedback.
Key Takeaways
- The Nexus Sprint Review should focus on the Integrated Increment and Nexus Sprint Goal.
- Individual team presentations can undermine the holistic view and effectiveness of the review.
- Proper facilitation ensures meaningful stakeholder feedback and better inspection and adaptation.
Conclusion
Focusing on the Integrated Increment during Nexus Sprint Reviews is critical for effective stakeholder engagement and product improvement. By presenting a unified view of the product, Scrum Teams can ensure valuable feedback and continuous alignment with product goals. For more information on preparing for the SPS exam, visit our Scaled Professional Scrum SPS™ Exam Prep.