Answering: “Which three of the following are true about Scrum?”

Scrum is a framework for complex products, it is founded on empiricism and lean thinking, and every part of it has a purpose. It is not a pick-and-choose methodology and does not simply rename Project Managers.

Exam Question

Which three of the following are true about Scrum?
(choose the best three answers)
A. Scrum is a methodology, where you can pick and choose which parts of Scrum you think will work for your environment.
B. Scrum implements self-management by replacing Project Managers with Scrum Masters.
C. Scrum is a framework for developing and sustaining complex products.
D. Scrum is based on empiricism and lean thinking.
E. Each component of Scrum serves a specific purpose and is essential to Scrum’s success and your usage of Scrum to develop complex products.

Correct Answer

C, D and E.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide calls Scrum “a lightweight framework that helps people, teams and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.” It also says “Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking.” On completeness, it states “Each element of the framework serves a specific purpose that is essential to the overall value and results realized with Scrum.” Because the parts depend on each other, the Guide adds that leaving out elements covers up problems and limits the benefits of Scrum. The 2020 wording speaks of complex problems, and older material says complex products, but the meaning is the same.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Scrum is a methodology where you pick parts. Scrum is a framework, not a methodology, and dropping parts hides problems rather than adapting Scrum.

B. Scrum replaces Project Managers with Scrum Masters. Self-management comes from the team deciding who does what, when and how. The Scrum Master serves the team and is not a renamed project manager.

Exam Tip

Watch for the word “methodology” in Scrum.org questions. Scrum is always described as a framework, and partial Scrum is never Scrum.

Key Takeaways

• Scrum is a framework for complex work.
• It rests on empiricism and lean thinking.
• Every element exists for a reason, so none can be dropped.