Answering: “What is the typical size for a Scrum Team?” (PSM I)

Understanding Scrum Team Size

The size of a Scrum Team is an important factor that affects team dynamics, communication, and overall productivity. The Scrum framework provides guidance on the optimal team size to ensure effective collaboration and delivery of high-quality increments.

Exam Question

What is the typical size for a Scrum Team? (choose the best answer)

• A. 10 or fewer.
• B. 9.
• C. At least 7.
• D. 7 plus or minus 3.

Correct Answer

A. 10 or fewer.

Explanation

Why A is Correct

A. 10 or fewer: According to the Scrum Guide, the Scrum Team is small enough to remain nimble and large enough to complete significant work within a Sprint, typically 10 or fewer people. This size is considered optimal for effective communication, collaboration, and team cohesion. Smaller teams communicate better and are more productive. If a team becomes too large, it should consider reorganizing into multiple cohesive Scrum Teams, each focused on the same product. These teams should share the same Product Goal, Product Backlog, and Product Owner.

Why B, C, and D are Incorrect

B. 9: Although 9 is within the recommended range, it does not account for the flexibility that the Scrum framework suggests with “10 or fewer.”

C. At least 7: This option suggests a minimum team size which is not specified in the Scrum Guide. The guide emphasizes a maximum size of 10 or fewer to maintain efficiency.

D. 7 plus or minus 3: While this option is also close to the correct answer, it lacks the specific upper limit of 10 people that the Scrum framework recommends.

Key Points

• Optimal Team Size: The ideal Scrum Team size is 10 or fewer members, ensuring a balance between small team agility and having enough skills to deliver value.
• Communication and Collaboration: Smaller teams facilitate better communication and collaboration, which are essential for Scrum practices.
• Reorganization: If a team becomes too large, reorganizing into multiple cohesive teams focused on the same product can help maintain productivity and alignment.

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 size for a Scrum Team is crucial for the PSM I exam. This knowledge highlights the importance of effective team composition in achieving successful Scrum implementations.

Conclusion

The typical size for a Scrum Team is 10 or fewer members. This range ensures that the team is small enough to stay agile and large enough to have the necessary skills to deliver increments of value. Effective team size contributes to better communication, collaboration, and overall productivity. If a team becomes too large, reorganizing into multiple cohesive teams can help maintain these benefits.