Length of the Sprint
Understanding the appropriate length of a Sprint is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of the Scrum framework. This article explores the guidelines and principles around setting the duration of a Sprint.
Exam Question
Which of the following are true about the length of the Sprint?
(choose the best answer)
A. All Sprints must be one month or less.
B. The length of the Sprint should be proportional to the work that is done in between Sprints.
C. Sprint length is determined during Sprint Planning, and should be long enough to make sure the Scrum Team can deliver what is to be accomplished in the upcoming Sprint.
D. Sprint length is determined during Sprint Planning, and should hold the time it will take to build the planned features in the upcoming Sprint, but does not include time for any testing.
Correct Answer
A. All Sprints must be one month or less.
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. All Sprints must be one month or less:
According to the Scrum Guide, Sprints must be time-boxed to one month or less. This ensures a consistent pace and allows for regular inspection and adaptation. Keeping the Sprint duration to a maximum of one month helps maintain focus and reduce complexity.
Incorrect Answers
B. The length of the Sprint should be proportional to the work that is done in between Sprints: The Sprint length is not determined by the amount of work done between Sprints but rather is a fixed duration for iterative development.
C. Sprint length is determined during Sprint Planning, and should be long enough to make sure the Scrum Team can deliver what is to be accomplished in the upcoming Sprint: Sprint length should not be decided during Sprint Planning. It is a consistent, fixed time-box that the team adheres to.
D. Sprint length is determined during Sprint Planning, and should hold the time it will take to build the planned features in the upcoming Sprint, but does not include time for any testing: This statement is incorrect because Sprint length is not determined during Sprint Planning and must include all activities needed to produce a potentially releasable Increment.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner collaborates with the Developers to ensure that the most valuable work is selected for the Sprint within the fixed duration. They help prioritize and order the Product Backlog items but do not determine the Sprint length.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum framework, including the time-boxed Sprints, is properly understood and enacted. They facilitate adherence to the Sprint duration.
- Developers: The Developers work within the fixed Sprint duration to create a potentially releasable Increment. They plan and execute the work needed to achieve the Sprint Goal within this time frame.
Relevance to the PSPO I Exam
Understanding the fixed duration of Sprints is essential for the PSPO I exam. This knowledge ensures that candidates grasp the importance of regular inspection and adaptation cycles and the role of time-boxing in maintaining Scrum’s effectiveness.
Key Takeaways
- Sprints must be time-boxed to one month or less.
- The duration of Sprints is consistent and not determined during Sprint Planning.
- All activities required to produce a potentially releasable Increment must fit within the Sprint.
Conclusion
Maintaining a fixed Sprint duration of one month or less is fundamental to the Scrum framework. This ensures regular inspection and adaptation, helping Scrum Teams stay focused and productive. For more information on preparing for the PSPO I exam, visit our PSPO I Exam Prep.
