Pass the Scrum Alliance Scrum Master CSM Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

The Agile principle being practiced when a team focuses on the highest-priority Product Backlog items is"Simplicity - The art of maximizing the amount of work not done is essential."This principle emphasizes delivering only the most valuable work and avoiding unnecessary effort. By working on the most critical items, the team ensures that resources are used efficiently to maximize value.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. At regular intervals, the team reflects on how to become more effective, then tunes and adjusts its behavior accordingly:This principle relates to Sprint Retrospectives and improving team processes, not prioritizing backlog items.

C. Business people and developers must work together daily throughout the project:This principle relates to collaboration and communication, not prioritization.

D. The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and within a development team is face-to-face conversation:This principle emphasizes communication methods, not prioritization.

Across-functional Scrum Teamis one that has all the skills necessary to deliver ausable Incrementof the product. This ensures that the team is not dependent on external groups to complete their work, enabling them to deliver value independently.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide:

Scrum Teams are cross-functional and self-managing.

Cross-functionality means the team includes all the necessary skills (e.g., development, testing, design) to complete the work in a Sprint and deliver an Increment.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Divided into sub-teams:Scrum discourages dividing teams based on function. The team should be collaborative and cross-functional.

B. Distributed:While Scrum Teams can be distributed geographically, this term does not define their ability to deliver a usable Increment.

D. Difficult to manage:A cross-functional Scrum Team is self-managing and does not require external management.

Scrum teams plan workone Sprint at a time, using theSprint Planning eventto adapt the Sprint Backlog based on what was learned in previous Sprints. This approach aligns with Scrum'sempirical process control, which relies on inspection and adaptation to plan effectively.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide:

Sprint Planning creates aSprint Backlog, which includes the Sprint Goal, selected Product Backlog items, and the plan to deliver them.

Teams adjust their plans Sprint by Sprint, responding to new information, feedback, and changing circumstances.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. One release at a time, adjusting the number of Sprints to the prior releases’ average velocity:Scrum does not prescribe release-driven planning or adjusting Sprint duration based on velocity.

C. One project at a time, adjusting each Sprint Backlog Item to meet the release date negotiated at inception:Scrum encourages iterative planning within Sprints, not fixed plans tied to predetermined release dates.

D. One Sprint at a time in the Product Backlog Refinement meeting with participation of stakeholders:Product Backlog Refinement is an ongoing activity, not a Sprint planning process. Stakeholders typically participate in Sprint Reviews, not in backlog refinement.

One of the key services aScrum Master provides to the Product Owneris helping them findeffective Product Backlog management techniques. This ensures that the Product Owner can maximize the value of the product and effectively manage the Product Backlog.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Scrum Master serves the Product Owner by:

Helping the Product Owner find techniques for effective Product Goal definition and Product Backlog management.

Facilitating stakeholder collaboration when needed.

Supporting empirical product planning for complex environments.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Assign tasks to the Developers:Tasks are not assigned in Scrum. Developers are self-organizing and responsible for determining how they will complete the work.

B. Write user stories:Writing user stories is a Product Owner responsibility, not the Scrum Master's.

C. Prioritize the backlog:The Product Owner prioritizes the Product Backlog, not the Scrum Master.

TheScrum Valuemost demonstrated when a team completes a task before moving on to the next one isFocus. In Scrum, the team is expected to focus on the work required to meet the Sprint Goal. Completing one task at a time shows that the team prioritizes their attention and energy on delivering work of high quality, avoiding multitasking and distractions.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide, focus is one of the five Scrum Values, which include:

Commitment: Dedication to the goals of the team and the Sprint.

Focus: Concentrating on the work at hand to ensure maximum productivity and value.

Respect: Valuing each team member and their contributions.

Courage: Facing challenges and delivering value despite uncertainties.

Openness: Transparency in communication and progress.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Commitment:While commitment is important, the act of completing a task before moving to the next one primarily demonstrates focus rather than commitment to goals.

C. Respect:Respect refers to valuing team members and their contributions, not the practice of completing one task at a time.

D. Courage:Courage involves tackling difficult challenges or speaking up, but it is not directly related to task completion.

TheScrum Mastershouldcoach the Scrum Teamto understand the importance of theSprint Retrospective. This event is essential for inspecting and adapting processes, tools, and team dynamics, enabling continuous improvement in future Sprints.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide:

TheSprint Retrospectiveis a key event where the Scrum Team reflects on their performance and identifies actionable improvements.

It promotes collaboration, accountability, and self-management, all of which are crucial in Scrum.

Why the other options are incorrect:

B. Let the Developers decide:The Sprint Retrospective is a mandatory event for the Scrum Team, and the Developers cannot decide to skip it.

C. Escalate to the Product Owner:The Product Owner is not responsible for team dynamics or facilitating Scrum events. This is the Scrum Master’s responsibility.

D. Exclude those members of the Scrum Team from participating:Excluding team members would undermine team collaboration and the purpose of the event. Instead, the Scrum Master should address the underlying concerns and help the team recognize its value.

The described scenario aligns with"Individuals and Interactions over Processes and Tools", one of the four core Agile Values from the Agile Manifesto. This value emphasizes the importance of collaboration, communication, and teamwork over reliance on rigid processes or tools. Scrum encourages team members to work together closely to solve problems and deliver high-quality software.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Individuals and Interactions over Working Software:While this value mentions "Working Software," the scenario focuses on collaboration among team members, which relates more to prioritizing individuals and interactions.

C. Individuals and Interactions over Contract Negotiation:This value applies to collaboration with stakeholders and customers rather than collaboration within the team.

D. Individuals and Interactions over Customer Collaboration:While customer collaboration is essential, the scenario specifically highlights collaboration among team members.

TheScrum Masteris responsible for leading and coaching the organization in its Scrum adoption. They play a critical role in helping the organization understand and implement Scrum practices, fostering an environment of empiricism and continuous improvement.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Scrum Master serves the organization by:

Leading, training, and coaching the organization in Scrum adoption.

Helping employees and stakeholders understand and enact an empirical approach to work.

Removing barriers between stakeholders and Scrum Teams.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Customer:Customers provide requirements and feedback but do not lead or coach the organization in Scrum adoption.

B. Product Owner:The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and focuses on delivering value but is not responsible for organizational Scrum adoption.

C. Developers:Developers are responsible for delivering the Increment and are not accountable for coaching the organization.

When Developers ask for help or admit they do not know something, they demonstrateCourage, one of the five Scrum Values. It takes courage to be open about challenges or limitations and seek assistance, as it fosters collaboration, transparency, and trust within the team.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide, the Scrum Values include:

Commitment: Dedicated to the team’s goals and delivering value.

Focus: Concentrating on the Sprint Goal and avoiding distractions.

Openness: Transparent about work and progress.

Respect: Valuing each other's contributions and perspectives.

Courage: Taking risks, speaking up, and tackling challenges.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Respect:Respect is about valuing team members' contributions, but asking for help reflects personal courage.

C. Commitment:Commitment relates to dedication to achieving goals, not specifically asking for help.

D. Focus:Focus involves prioritizing and working toward the Sprint Goal, not addressing knowledge gaps or challenges.

TheProduct Ownerhas the final authority toorder the Product Backlogto maximize value. They are responsible for ensuring that the most valuable and important work is prioritized so that the Scrum Team delivers maximum value in each Sprint.

According to the2020 Scrum Guide:

The Product Owner is accountable formanaging the Product Backlog, which includes ordering items to best achieve the Product Goal.

While the Developers may provide input, the final decision on ordering lies with the Product Owner.

Why the other options are incorrect:

A. Lead Developer:Scrum does not have a "Lead Developer" role or accountability.

B. Scrum Master:The Scrum Master facilitates and coaches but does not manage or order the Product Backlog.

D. Developers:While Developers provide input during refinement and Sprint Planning, they do not have the authority to order the Product Backlog.