Improving Developer Performance in Scrum
The ability of the Developers to deliver a “done” Increment is crucial for the success of any Scrum project. As a Product Owner, it is important to take proactive steps to help the Developers enhance their performance and meet their forecasted goals.
Exam Question
The Developers have struggled to get all of their forecasted work done during the last three Sprints. As a Product Owner what steps could you take to help the Developers improve their ability to deliver a done Increment?
(choose the best two answers)
A. Ensure that all Developers are top performers.
B. Ask the Scrum Master to help the Developers learn techniques for improving their ability to forecast work.
C. Add more people to the team so they can get more done.
D. The Product Owner can spend more time with the Developers.
Correct Answers
B. Ask the Scrum Master to help the Developers learn techniques for improving their ability to forecast work.
D. The Product Owner can spend more time with the Developers.
Explanation
Correct Answers
B. Ask the Scrum Master to help the Developers learn techniques for improving their ability to forecast work:
The Scrum Master plays a vital role in coaching the Developers and helping them adopt better forecasting techniques. This can involve teaching them how to break down tasks more effectively, estimate more accurately, and improve their planning processes.
D. The Product Owner can spend more time with the Developers:
By spending more time with the Developers, the Product Owner can provide better clarity on the Product Backlog items, answer questions, and ensure that the Developers have all the necessary information to make accurate forecasts. This close collaboration can lead to better understanding and more realistic planning.
Incorrect Answers
A. Ensure that all Developers are top performers: While having top performers can be beneficial, it is not always feasible to have only top performers on a team. The focus should be on improving the current team’s processes and abilities.
C. Add more people to the team so they can get more done: Adding more people to the team does not necessarily improve performance and can sometimes lead to more complexity and coordination issues. It’s better to improve the existing team’s efficiency and forecasting capabilities.
Responsibilities in Scrum
- Product Owner: The Product Owner should work closely with the Developers to ensure they understand the requirements and priorities. They also facilitate communication and collaboration within the team to improve forecasting and delivery.
- Scrum Master: The Scrum Master helps the team adopt best practices and improve their processes. They provide coaching on effective forecasting techniques and ensure that the team adheres to Scrum principles.
- Developers: The Developers are responsible for breaking down the work, estimating it accurately, and delivering a “done” Increment. They should actively seek ways to improve their forecasting and delivery capabilities.
Relevance to the PSPO II Exam
Understanding the steps that a Product Owner can take to improve the Developers’ ability to deliver a “done” Increment is essential for the PSPO II exam. This knowledge ensures that Product Owners can effectively support their teams and improve overall project outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Collaboration between the Product Owner and Developers is crucial for improving forecasting and delivery.
- The Scrum Master’s role in coaching and process improvement is vital.
- Focus on enhancing the existing team’s abilities rather than adding more people.
Conclusion
Improving the Developers’ ability to deliver a “done” Increment requires collaboration, coaching, and process improvement. By working closely with the Scrum Master and the Developers, the Product Owner can help ensure that the team meets its goals and delivers valuable Increments. For more information on preparing for the PSPO II exam, visit our PSPO II Exam Prep.
