What is the purpose of the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust cycle as applied to Iterations?
This article unpacks a SAFe Scrum Master scenario and explains what makes the correct response effective.
Exam Question
What is the purpose of the Plan-Do-Check-Adjust cycle as applied to Iterations?
A. To provide a regular, predictable development cadence to produce an increment of value.
B. To give the ART members a process tool to keep the train on the tracks.
C. To create a continuous flow of work to support the delivery pipeline.
D. To allow the team to perform some final backlog refinement for upcoming iteration planning.
Correct Answer
A
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. To provide a regular, predictable development cadence to produce an increment of value.:
This aligns with the SAFe Scrum Master’s responsibilities and expected behaviors.
Incorrect Answers
B. To give the ART members a process tool to keep the train on the tracks.:
This is incorrect as it doesn’t reflect the SAFe Scrum Master’s duties or decision-making scope.
C. To create a continuous flow of work to support the delivery pipeline.:
This is incorrect as it doesn’t reflect the SAFe Scrum Master’s duties or decision-making scope.
D. To allow the team to perform some final backlog refinement for upcoming iteration planning.:
This is incorrect as it doesn’t reflect the SAFe Scrum Master’s duties or decision-making scope.
Scrum Master Insights
- Facilitation: Scrum Masters foster productive events and team alignment.
- Coaching: They enable team-level agility through guidance and reflection.
- Program Collaboration: Effective collaboration across ARTs ensures flow of value.
Relevance to the SSM Exam
This question represents key exam topics related to scaled Agile facilitation and team performance management in SAFe.
Key Takeaways
- Scrum Masters play a crucial role in enabling Agile teams and events.
- They promote alignment, remove impediments, and drive continuous improvement.
- SAFe requires facilitation skills at both team and program levels.
Conclusion
Understanding these responsibilities equips you for real-world performance and the SSM certification exam.

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More SAFe Scrum Master (SSM) exam questions
- Which meeting should the Scrum Master attend (not facilitate)?
- Scrum Masters help remove impediments, foster an environment for high-performing team dynamics and what else?
- Each PI Planning meeting evolves over time, and ending PI Planning with a retrospective will help to do what?
- Which statement is true about teams?
- Which type of Enabler does a System Architect review during a System Demo?
