Answering: “What is the best suited structure for Scrum Teams in order to produce integrated Increments?”

Optimal Structure for Scrum Teams

Producing integrated Increments is a fundamental goal of Scrum. The structure of Scrum Teams plays a crucial role in achieving this goal effectively.

Exam Question

What is the best suited structure for Scrum Teams in order to produce integrated Increments? (choose the best answer)

• A. Each Scrum Team develops functionality from beginning to end throughout all technical layers.
• B. Each Scrum Team works only on one technical layer of the system (e.g., GUI, database, middle tier, interfaces).

Correct Answer

A. Each Scrum Team develops functionality from beginning to end throughout all technical layers.

Explanation

Why A is Correct

A. Each Scrum Team develops functionality from beginning to end throughout all technical layers: This approach ensures that each Scrum Team is capable of delivering a complete, usable Increment at the end of each Sprint. It promotes cross-functional collaboration, where team members possess a diverse set of skills needed to handle all aspects of development, including GUI, database, middle tier, and interfaces. By working across all technical layers, Scrum Teams can ensure that each Increment is fully integrated and functional, reducing dependencies and handoffs between specialized teams. This leads to higher quality and faster delivery of value.

Why B is Incorrect

B. Each Scrum Team works only on one technical layer of the system (e.g., GUI, database, middle tier, interfaces): This structure, known as component teams, can create significant challenges in terms of integration and dependencies. It often leads to bottlenecks and delays as teams wait for other layers to be completed before they can proceed. Component teams also undermine the core Scrum principle of delivering potentially shippable Increments at the end of each Sprint. Each layer may be complete, but the overall product increment is not, leading to a lack of cohesion and increased complexity in managing the overall project.

Key Points

• Cross-Functional Teams: Scrum Teams should be cross-functional, possessing all the necessary skills to deliver a complete Increment that spans all technical layers.
• Integration: Working across all layers ensures that each Increment is fully integrated and functional, enhancing the quality and value delivered to stakeholders.
• Reduced Dependencies: Cross-functional teams minimize dependencies and handoffs, leading to more efficient and effective development processes.

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: Collaborate to complete all tasks necessary to deliver a potentially shippable Increment, ensuring all work meets the Definition of Done.

Relevance to the PSM I Exam

Understanding the optimal structure for Scrum Teams is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge highlights the importance of cross-functional teams in delivering integrated, high-quality Increments.

Conclusion

The best-suited structure for Scrum Teams to produce integrated Increments is for each team to develop functionality from beginning to end across all technical layers. This approach ensures that each Increment is fully integrated, functional, and of high quality. Cross-functional teams reduce dependencies, enhance collaboration, and deliver greater value to stakeholders.