Coordinating Work Across Multiple Scrum Teams
When multiple Scrum Teams are working together to build a single product, coordination is key to ensuring that all teams are aligned and able to deliver an integrated Increment. The Scrum Master plays a crucial role in facilitating this coordination.
Exam Question
Five new Scrum Teams have been created to build one product. A few of the Developers on one of the Scrum Teams ask the Scrum Master how to coordinate their work with the other teams. What should the Scrum Master do? (choose the best answer)
- A. Teach them that it is their responsibility to work with the other teams to create an integrated Increment that is inclusive of all five team’s work.
- B. Visit the five teams each day to inspect that their Sprint Backlogs are aligned.
- C. Teach the Product Owner to work with the lead developers on ordering Product Backlog in a way to avoid too much overlap during a Sprint.
- D. Collect the Sprint tasks from the teams at the end of their Sprint Planning and merge that into a consolidated plan for the entire Sprint.
Correct Answer
A. Teach them that it is their responsibility to work with the other teams to create an integrated Increment that is inclusive of all five team’s work.
Explanation
Why A is Correct
A. Teach them that it is their responsibility to work with the other teams to create an integrated Increment that is inclusive of all five team’s work:
In Scrum, each Scrum Team is self-managing and responsible for ensuring that their work is integrated with the work of other teams. The Scrum Master should emphasize the importance of communication and collaboration among the teams to create a cohesive product. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among the teams for delivering a fully integrated Increment.
Why B, C, and D are Incorrect
B. Visit the five teams each day to inspect that their Sprint Backlogs are aligned: While inspecting Sprint Backlogs might seem helpful, it goes against the principle of self-management. The teams should be responsible for coordinating and aligning their work without daily inspections by the Scrum Master.
C. Teach the Product Owner to work with the lead developers on ordering Product Backlog in a way to avoid too much overlap during a Sprint: The Product Owner is responsible for ordering the Product Backlog, but the coordination of work to avoid overlap should be managed by the teams themselves. This ensures that the teams remain self-managing and collaborative.
D. Collect the Sprint tasks from the teams at the end of their Sprint Planning and merge that into a consolidated plan for the entire Sprint: Creating a consolidated plan undermines the autonomy of each team and contradicts the principles of Scrum. The teams should be responsible for their own planning and coordination.
Key Points
- Self-Management: Scrum Teams are responsible for coordinating and integrating their work.
- Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration among teams are essential for delivering an integrated Increment.
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: Plan, manage, and execute all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring quality and adherence to the Definition of Done.
Relevance to the PSM I Exam
Understanding how to coordinate work across multiple Scrum Teams is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge emphasizes the importance of self-management and collaboration within the Scrum framework.
Conclusion
When multiple Scrum Teams are working together to build a single product, it is essential that they coordinate their work to create an integrated Increment. The Scrum Master should teach the teams that it is their responsibility to work with each other and ensure effective communication and collaboration.
For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM I Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.
