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

Scrum is a framework for generating value through adaptive solutions for complex problems, it is based on empiricism, and each of its parts has a specific purpose. It is not a pick-and-choose methodology or a traditional process with self-management added.

Exam Question

Which of the following is true about Scrum?
(choose all that apply)
A. Scrum is a methodology, where you can “pick and choose” which parts of Scrum you think will work for your environment.
B. Scrum is like traditional processes but with self-management to replace Project Managers.
C. Scrum is a framework for generating value through adaptive solutions for complex problems.
D. Scrum is based on empiricism.
E. Each component of Scrum serves a specific purpose and is essential to the successful usage of Scrum for building complex products.

Correct Answer

C, D and E.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide opens by calling Scrum “a lightweight framework that helps people, teams and organizations generate value through adaptive solutions for complex problems,” which matches option C. It also says “Scrum is founded on empiricism and lean thinking,” which supports D. For option E, the Guide explains that each element of the framework serves a specific purpose, and that changing the core design, leaving out elements or not following the rules covers up problems and limits the benefits of Scrum. Scrum is purposefully incomplete, so teams add their own practices, but they cannot drop parts of the framework and still call it Scrum.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. Scrum is a methodology where you pick and choose parts. Scrum is a framework, not a methodology. Leaving out parts limits its benefits and is no longer Scrum.

B. Scrum is like traditional processes with self-management replacing Project Managers. Scrum is not a traditional plan-driven process with a new label. It is built on empiricism, short feedback loops and emergent planning.

Exam Tip

Learn the opening lines of the Scrum Guide well. Many “what is Scrum” questions test the words framework, empiricism and complex problems.

Key Takeaways

• Scrum is a framework, not a methodology.
• Scrum rests on empiricism and lean thinking.
• Leaving out parts of Scrum limits its benefits.