Determining How Work is Performed During the Sprint

One of the key aspects of Scrum is self-management, where the Scrum Team, particularly the Developers, have the autonomy to decide how they will accomplish their work during a Sprint.

Exam Question

Who determines how work is performed during the Sprint? (choose the best answer)

• A. The Scrum Master.
• B. The Scrum Team.
• C. The Developers.
• D. Subject matter experts.
• E. Team manager.

Correct Answer

C. The Developers.

Explanation

Why C is Correct

C. The Developers: In Scrum, the Developers are the individuals who are committed to creating any aspect of a usable Increment each Sprint. They are self-managing and have the authority to decide how to perform the work required to meet the Sprint Goal. This autonomy is essential for fostering creativity, accountability, and motivation within the team. The Developers collectively determine the best approach to complete their tasks, which includes breaking down the work, assigning tasks among themselves, and adapting their plan as needed throughout the Sprint.

Why A, B, D, and E are Incorrect

A. The Scrum Master: The Scrum Master’s role is to facilitate the Scrum process, remove impediments, and coach the team. They do not dictate how the work is done during the Sprint.

B. The Scrum Team: While the Scrum Team as a whole collaborates on many aspects, the specific determination of how work is performed falls under the purview of the Developers.

D. Subject matter experts: Subject matter experts can provide guidance and insights, but they do not determine how the work is performed during the Sprint. This responsibility lies with the Developers.

E. Team manager: Scrum does not include the role of a team manager with authority over the Developers. The framework emphasizes self-management and team autonomy.

Key Points

• Self-Management: The Developers are self-managing and decide how to perform their work during the Sprint.
• Autonomy: This autonomy fosters accountability, motivation, and creativity within the team.
• Collaboration: Developers collaborate to break down tasks, assign work, and adapt their approach as needed to meet the Sprint Goal.

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: Collaborate to complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring all work meets the Definition of Done. They determine how work is performed during the Sprint.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding the self-managing nature of the Developers is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge ensures that you recognize the autonomy and responsibility given to the Developers within the Scrum framework.

Conclusion

In Scrum, the Developers are responsible for determining how work is performed during the Sprint. This self-management is a core principle of Scrum, fostering accountability, motivation, and creativity within the team. Understanding this dynamic is essential for effective Scrum implementation and is a key topic for the PSM I exam.

For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.