Establishing Integration Across Multiple Scrum Teams

When multiple Scrum Teams are working together to build a highly anticipated product, ensuring proper integration and a cohesive Increment is critical. This article explores a specific exam question about the best approach to achieving high integration by the end of the first Sprint, providing detailed explanations and insights relevant to the PSM II exam.

Exam Question

You are a Scrum Master helping to establish five Scrum Teams that will be building a product. You discuss with them the high level of integration that the product Increment will require by the end of their first Sprint. It is a highly anticipated product, both by consumers and by the organization. Of the options raised by the future Scrum Team members, which option do you encourage? (choose the best answer)

• A. Each Scrum Team delivers done Increments in its own area of responsibility. Upon functional acceptance at the Sprint Review, the code is isolated for future stabilization. The release date is adjusted according to the expected work and time of such integration phase.
• B. Each team provides a separate Increment with the functionality added by the individual team. The Sprint Review is used to identify the work needed to integrate with the other Scrum Teams. This work is then added to the Product Backlog.
• C. All Scrum Teams agree on a shared Definition of Done that describes all work needed to deliver an Increment that is the integrated sum of the work from all Scrum Teams.
• D. In the first Sprint, integration is less important. The goal is to deliver business value. Functionality that is not integrated with the work of other Scrum Teams by the end of a Sprint is still reviewed to assess its potential business value. It can still be released at the Product Owner’s discretion, and silent consent of the stakeholders.

Correct Answer

C. All Scrum Teams agree on a shared Definition of Done that describes all work needed to deliver an Increment that is the integrated sum of the work from all Scrum Teams.

Explanation

Correct Answer

C. All Scrum Teams agree on a shared Definition of Done that describes all work needed to deliver an Increment that is the integrated sum of the work from all Scrum Teams: This approach ensures that all teams are aligned on the same standards and criteria for completing their work. A shared Definition of Done (DoD) facilitates the integration of work from multiple teams, ensuring that the Increment delivered at the end of each Sprint is cohesive and fully integrated. This is crucial for maintaining high quality and delivering a potentially shippable product Increment that meets stakeholders’ expectations.

Incorrect Answers

A. Each Scrum Team delivers done Increments in its own area of responsibility. Upon functional acceptance at the Sprint Review, the code is isolated for future stabilization. The release date is adjusted according to the expected work and time of such integration phase: This approach defers integration, potentially leading to significant delays and integration issues later. It is not aligned with the Scrum principle of delivering a potentially shippable product Increment at the end of each Sprint.

B. Each team provides a separate Increment with the functionality added by the individual team. The Sprint Review is used to identify the work needed to integrate with the other Scrum Teams. This work is then added to the Product Backlog: Delaying integration work until after the Sprint Review can lead to incomplete Increments and a lack of cohesion between the teams’ work. Integration should be an ongoing process, not an afterthought.

D. In the first Sprint, integration is less important. The goal is to deliver business value. Functionality that is not integrated with the work of other Scrum Teams by the end of a Sprint is still reviewed to assess its potential business value. It can still be released at the Product Owner’s discretion, and silent consent of the stakeholders: Ignoring integration in the first Sprint can lead to significant integration challenges and technical debt in future Sprints. Ensuring that all functionality is integrated from the beginning is essential for delivering a cohesive and high-quality product.

Responsibilities in Scrum

• Product Owner: The Product Owner ensures that the Product Backlog is transparent and well-ordered, prioritizing work that delivers the most value. They collaborate with the Scrum Teams to ensure that integration is considered in the planning and execution of work.
• Scrum Master: The Scrum Master facilitates the adoption of a shared Definition of Done and helps the teams understand the importance of integration. They support the teams in removing impediments and improving their processes.
• Developers: Developers are responsible for adhering to the shared Definition of Done and collaborating with other teams to ensure that their work is integrated and potentially shippable by the end of each Sprint.

Relevance to the PSM II Exam

Understanding the importance of a shared Definition of Done and the integration of work across multiple Scrum Teams is crucial for the PSM II exam. It demonstrates advanced knowledge of Scrum principles and the importance of delivering cohesive, high-quality product Increments. Mastering this concept ensures that Scrum Masters can effectively guide their teams in achieving integration and delivering value.

Key Takeaways

• A shared Definition of Done ensures that all Scrum Teams are aligned on the standards and criteria for completing their work.
• Continuous integration of work is essential for delivering a cohesive and high-quality product Increment.
• Effective collaboration and adherence to a shared DoD help Scrum Teams deliver potentially shippable Increments that meet stakeholders’ expectations.

Conclusion

Encouraging Scrum Teams to adopt a shared Definition of Done and focus on continuous integration is essential for delivering a high-quality product Increment that meets stakeholders’ expectations. This approach aligns with Scrum principles and ensures that the product development process is efficient and effective. Understanding these principles is essential for effective Scrum implementation and success in the PSM II exam. For comprehensive preparation and practice exams, check out PSM II Exam Prep to enhance your understanding and application of Scrum principles.