Managing Specialist Dependencies in Scrum Teams
Handling dependencies, especially involving external specialists, is a common challenge in Scrum. This article discusses how a Scrum Master can address such issues while ensuring effective Scrum practice.
Exam Question
You are the Scrum Master for four Scrum Teams working from the same Product Backlog. Several of the developers come to you complaining that work identified for the upcoming two Sprints will require full-time commitment from a specialist who is external to the teams.
What should the Scrum Master consider in this situation?
(choose the best two answers)
A. The benefit of Developers figuring out a solution for themselves.
B. The desire to maintain a stable velocity.
C. The need to have enough work to keep all Developers busy.
D. The ability of the Scrum Teams to produce integrated Increments.
Correct Answer
A. The benefit of Developers figuring out a solution for themselves.
D. The ability of the Scrum Teams to produce integrated Increments.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. The benefit of Developers figuring out a solution for themselves:
Encouraging Developers to find solutions independently fosters self-management and problem-solving skills. It also reduces dependency on external specialists, making the team more resilient and adaptable.
D. The ability of the Scrum Teams to produce integrated Increments:
Ensuring that the Scrum Teams can produce integrated Increments is crucial. This maintains the coherence and usability of the product, ensuring that each Increment adds value and is potentially releasable.
Incorrect Answers
B. The desire to maintain a stable velocity:
While maintaining a stable velocity is beneficial, it should not take precedence over the ability to deliver integrated, valuable Increments. Focusing solely on velocity can lead to short-term productivity gains but long-term integration issues.
C. The need to have enough work to keep all Developers busy:
Ensuring that Developers are busy is not a goal in Scrum. The focus should be on delivering value and working effectively as a team. Keeping Developers busy for the sake of busyness can lead to suboptimal practices and reduce the overall value delivered.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner is responsible for maximizing the value of the product by managing the Product Backlog and ensuring that the most valuable items are worked on.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process, helps the team resolve impediments, and ensures that Scrum practices are followed.
- Developers: The Developers are responsible for delivering Increments of value every Sprint. They are self-managing and work collaboratively to solve problems and integrate their work.
Relevance to the PSPO I Exam
Understanding how to manage dependencies and the importance of producing integrated Increments is crucial for the PSPO I exam. This knowledge ensures that candidates appreciate the balance between self-management, value delivery, and maintaining a coherent product.
Key Takeaways
- Encourage Developers to solve problems independently to foster self-management.
- Focus on producing integrated Increments that add value to the product.
- Maintaining a stable velocity should not overshadow the goal of delivering integrated, valuable Increments.
- Keeping Developers busy should not be a priority; delivering value and working effectively as a team is more important.
Conclusion
Managing dependencies and ensuring that Scrum Teams can produce integrated Increments are essential aspects of effective Scrum practice. By focusing on these principles, Scrum Masters can help their teams deliver valuable outcomes consistently. For more information on preparing for the PSPO I exam, visit our PSPO I Exam Prep.
