Answering: “As the Sprint Planning progresses, the Developers realize that the workload may be greater than their capacity to complete the work. Which two are valid actions?” (PSPO II)

If the forecast looks bigger than capacity during Sprint Planning, the Developers can remove or change selected Product Backlog items, or make the risk transparent to the Scrum Team, start the Sprint and watch progress closely. Overtime, hiring and cancellation are not the answer.

Exam Question

As the Sprint Planning progresses, the Developers realize that the workload may be greater than their capacity to complete the work. Which two are valid actions?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Recruit additional Developers before the work can begin.
B. The Developers ensure that the Scrum Team is aware, start the Sprint, and monitor progress.
C. The Developers work overtime during this Sprint.
D. Cancel the Sprint.
E. Remove or change selected Product Backlog items.

Correct Answer

B and E.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sprint Planning is collaborative. The Scrum Guide says that through discussion with the Product Owner, the Developers select items from the Product Backlog to include in the Sprint, and that selecting how much can be completed may be challenging. If the selection looks too large, the simplest fix is to change it: drop, split or swap items while keeping a coherent Sprint Goal. Alternatively, the team can start with what it has, as long as everyone knows the forecast is at risk. The Sprint Backlog is updated throughout the Sprint as more is learned, and scope can be renegotiated with the Product Owner. Either path keeps the plan honest and sustainable.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Recruit additional Developers before work begins. Adding people takes time and changes the team. It does not fix an oversized forecast for this Sprint.

C. The Developers work overtime this Sprint. Overtime is not sustainable and tends to lower quality. The Definition of Done must not suffer to meet a forecast.

D. Cancel the Sprint. Only the Product Owner can cancel a Sprint, and only when the Sprint Goal becomes obsolete. Too much work is not a reason.

Exam Tip

When the plan does not fit capacity, look for answers that adjust scope or increase transparency. Answers that add hours, add people or cancel are almost always wrong.

Key Takeaways

• The Developers decide how much work fits in the Sprint.
• Scope can be adjusted during Sprint Planning or renegotiated later.
• Overtime and cancellation do not fix an oversized forecast.