The Role of Management in Scrum
Management plays a supportive role in Scrum, providing insights and resources to help Scrum Teams improve and succeed. Understanding this role is crucial for implementing Scrum effectively.
Exam Question
What is the role of management in Scrum?
(choose the best answer)
A. To present the Scrum Teams with insights and resources that help them improve.
B. To identify and remove people that are not working hard enough.
C. To continually monitor staffing levels of the Scrum Team.
D. To monitor the productivity of the Developers.
Correct Answer
A. To present the Scrum Teams with insights and resources that help them improve.
Explanation
Correct Answer
To present the Scrum Teams with insights and resources that help them improve (A):
Management’s primary role in Scrum is to support the Scrum Teams by providing them with the necessary insights and resources. This helps teams improve their processes and productivity.
Incorrect Answers
To identify and remove people that are not working hard enough (B):
This is not a role of management in Scrum. The Scrum framework emphasizes team self-management and accountability.
To continually monitor staffing levels of the Scrum Team (C):
While management may be involved in staffing decisions, their role in Scrum is more about providing support and resources rather than constantly monitoring staffing levels.
To monitor the productivity of the Developers (D):
In Scrum, productivity is tracked through various Scrum artifacts and events, not by external management. The Scrum Team is self-managing and responsible for its own productivity.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: Ensures the Product Backlog is ordered and refined to maximize value and align with the team’s capacity. Develops and explicitly communicates the Product Goal. Creates and clearly communicates Product Backlog items. Represents the needs of many stakeholders in the Product Backlog. Optimizes the value of the work the Scrum Team does by making informed decisions on the Product Backlog.
- Scrum Master: Coaches the team in Scrum practices, removes impediments, and facilitates team events to ensure productivity and adherence to Scrum principles. Helps everyone understand Scrum theory and practice within the Scrum Team and the organization. Ensures that Scrum events are productive and kept within the timebox.
- Developers: Collaborate to create the Sprint Goal and the Sprint Backlog, ensuring all work aligns with the Sprint Goal. Complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, including ensuring that all Product Backlog items meet the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding the role of management in Scrum is essential for the PSM I exam. It helps clarify the support structure that surrounds Scrum Teams and how management can effectively contribute to the success of Scrum implementations.
Key Takeaways
- Supportive Role: Management provides insights and resources to help Scrum Teams improve.
- Empowerment: The focus is on empowering the Scrum Teams rather than micromanaging or directly monitoring productivity.
- Alignment with Scrum Values: Management’s role aligns with the values of respect, trust, and support within the Scrum framework.
Conclusion
Management plays a crucial supportive role in Scrum, providing the necessary resources and insights to help Scrum Teams thrive. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
