Understanding “Done” in Scrum

The concept of “Done” in Scrum is crucial for ensuring that the work completed by the Developers meets the necessary standards for potentially shippable increments. This article explores a specific exam question about what “Done” means in the context of Scrum, providing detailed explanations and insights relevant to the PSM II exam.

Exam Question

In Sprint Planning, the Developers work with the Product Owner to create a forecast for the Sprint. A forecast is a selection of Product Backlog items that the Developers deem feasible to get done by the end of the Sprint. Select two things that explain what “Done” means. (choose the best two answers)

• A. All work to create an Increment of software that is ready for acceptance testing by the Product Owner.
• B. All work to create an Increment of software that is ready for integration testing.
• C. Having an Increment of software that could be released to end users.
• D. All work performed as listed in the Definition of Done.
• E. All work for which enough expertise and skills are actually present in the Scrum Team.

Correct Answers

C. Having an Increment of software that could be released to end users.
D. All work performed as listed in the Definition of Done.

Explanation

Correct Answers

C. Having an Increment of software that could be released to end users: In Scrum, “Done” means that the Increment is potentially shippable and could be released to end users if the Product Owner decides it is appropriate. This means that all necessary work, including testing and quality assurance, has been completed to meet the Definition of Done, ensuring that the software is in a releasable state.

D. All work performed as listed in the Definition of Done: The Definition of Done is a key artifact in Scrum that outlines all the criteria that must be met for an Increment to be considered complete. This includes coding, testing, documentation, and any other activities required to ensure the Increment is potentially shippable. The DoD provides a shared understanding among the Scrum Team of what it means for work to be complete.

Incorrect Answers

A. All work to create an Increment of software that is ready for acceptance testing by the Product Owner: While acceptance testing might be part of the Definition of Done, “Done” means more than just being ready for acceptance testing. It includes all activities necessary to make the Increment potentially shippable.

B. All work to create an Increment of software that is ready for integration testing: Similar to acceptance testing, integration testing might be part of the process, but “Done” encompasses all criteria in the Definition of Done to ensure the Increment is releasable.

E. All work for which enough expertise and skills are actually present in the Scrum Team: Having the necessary expertise and skills is important, but it does not define “Done.” “Done” is defined by the criteria in the Definition of Done, not by the presence of expertise and skills alone.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: The Product Owner collaborates with the Developers to ensure that the Definition of Done is clear and comprehensive. They use the Definition of Done to assess whether Product Backlog items are complete and potentially shippable.
• Scrum Master: The Scrum Master ensures that the Scrum Team understands and adheres to the Definition of Done. They coach the team on the importance of maintaining a strong Definition of Done and facilitate discussions to improve it as needed.
• Developers: Developers are responsible for meeting the criteria outlined in the Definition of Done. They use the Definition of Done to guide their work during the Sprint and ensure that the Increment is potentially shippable by the end of the Sprint.

Relevance to the PSM II Exam

Understanding what “Done” means in Scrum is crucial for the PSM II exam. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of Scrum principles and the importance of clear criteria for completeness. Mastering this concept ensures that Scrum Masters can effectively guide their teams in maintaining high-quality standards and delivering valuable Increments.

Key Takeaways

• “Done” means that the Increment is potentially shippable and could be released to end users.
• The Definition of Done outlines all the criteria that must be met for an Increment to be considered complete.
• Adhering to the Definition of Done ensures that the Scrum Team maintains high-quality standards.

Conclusion

The concept of “Done” in Scrum is essential for ensuring that the work completed by the Developers meets the necessary standards for potentially shippable increments. By adhering to the Definition of Done and ensuring that all necessary work is completed, the Scrum Team can deliver high-quality, valuable Increments. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective Scrum implementation and success in the PSM II exam. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM II Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.