Integration of Increments from Multiple Scrum Teams
When multiple Scrum Teams are working on the same product, it is crucial to integrate their increments every Sprint to ensure the overall product is cohesive and functional. This practice allows for accurate inspection and adaptation based on the integrated product.
Exam Question
When many Scrum Teams are working on the same product, should all of their Increments be integrated every Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. No, that is far too hard and must be done in a hardening Sprint.
B. No, each Scrum Team stands alone.
C. Yes, but only for Scrum Teams whose work has dependencies.
D. Yes, in order to accurately inspect what is done.
Correct Answer
D. Yes, in order to accurately inspect what is done.
Explanation
Correct Answer
D. Yes, in order to accurately inspect what is done:
Integrating all increments every Sprint ensures that the overall product can be inspected and adapted based on a realistic and comprehensive view of progress. This integration allows stakeholders to see the actual state of the product and provides valuable feedback on its functionality and cohesiveness. Without integrating increments, it would be challenging to assess the true progress and quality of the product.
Why the Other Options Are Less Effective
A. No, that is far too hard and must be done in a hardening Sprint:
The concept of a “hardening Sprint” is not aligned with Scrum principles. Scrum aims to produce potentially shippable increments every Sprint, without deferring integration or hardening work to a later Sprint. Continuous integration is essential for maintaining product quality and enabling timely feedback.
B. No, each Scrum Team stands alone:
When multiple Scrum Teams work on the same product, their work must be integrated to ensure that the product is cohesive. Treating each team’s increment as standalone would lead to integration issues, inconsistencies, and potential conflicts in the product.
C. Yes, but only for Scrum Teams whose work has dependencies:
While it is crucial to integrate work with dependencies, all Scrum Teams working on the same product should integrate their increments to ensure a complete and functional product. Even teams without apparent dependencies may impact the overall product when their increments are combined.
Importance of Integration in Scrum
- Product Cohesion: Ensures that all parts of the product work together seamlessly, avoiding integration issues that can arise from isolated development.
- Early Detection of Issues: Allows early identification of integration problems, making it easier to address them promptly.
- Accurate Inspection: Provides a realistic view of the product’s progress, enabling effective inspection and adaptation.
- Stakeholder Feedback: Enables stakeholders to review the integrated product, providing valuable feedback that can guide future development.
Effective Practices for Integration
- Continuous Integration: Implement continuous integration practices to integrate and test increments frequently, reducing the risk of integration issues.
- Automated Testing: Use automated testing to verify that integrated increments work as expected and meet quality standards.
- Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between Scrum Teams to ensure smooth integration and alignment on the overall product vision.
Relevance to the PSU I Exam
Understanding the importance of integrating increments from multiple Scrum Teams every Sprint is crucial for the PSU I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of Scrum principles and the importance of maintaining a cohesive and functional product through continuous integration.
Key Takeaways
- All increments from multiple Scrum Teams should be integrated every Sprint.
- Integration ensures product cohesion, early detection of issues, accurate inspection, and valuable stakeholder feedback.
- Effective practices include continuous integration, automated testing, and collaboration between teams.
Conclusion
When many Scrum Teams are working on the same product, integrating all of their increments every Sprint is essential to ensure accurate inspection, product cohesion, and timely feedback. This practice aligns with Scrum principles and helps maintain a high-quality product. For more information on preparing for the PSU I exam, visit our Professional Scrum with UX PSU I™ Exam Prep.
