Pass the Scrum Scaled Professional Scrum SPS Questions and answers with ExamsMirror

The best way to help the two teams that are continually dependent on each other to manage their work is to ensure the appropriate representatives from both teams are present during Cross-Team Refinement. Cross-Team Refinement is an optional event in Nexus that allows the Scrum Teams to collaborate and coordinate on the Product Backlog items that have dependencies or require integration 11. By having the representatives from both teams present during this event, they can identify and resolve the dependencies, clarify the requirements, align the expectations, and plan the work for the next Sprint. This will improve the transparency, the quality, and the value of the Integrated Increment.

The other options are not advisable for the following reasons:

The Nexus Integration Team should not be responsible for integrating the work of these two Scrum Teams, as this would create a bottleneck and a hand-off. The Nexus Integration Team is a specialized Scrum Team that provides services and guidance to the Scrum Teams in the Nexus to ensure that the Integrated Increment is produced every Sprint 11. However, the Nexus Integration Team is not accountable for the integration of the work of the individual Scrum Teams, as this is the responsibility of the Scrum Teams themselves 22.

Reorganizing these two Scrum Teams so that one is responsible for development and one is responsible for integration is not a good idea, as this would create a silo and a separation of concerns. The Scrum Teams in a Nexus should be cross-functional and self-organizing, meaning that they have all the skills and abilities to deliver a potentially releasable product Increment every Sprint 11. Separating the development and the integration tasks would compromise the collaboration, the feedback, and the agility of the Scrum Teams.

Merging the two Scrum Teams together is not a viable solution, as this would create a large and unwieldy team. The Scrum Guide states that the optimal size of a Scrum Team is between three and nine members 33. Merging two Scrum Teams together would exceed this limit and create challenges in communication, coordination, and decision-making. Moreover, merging the two teams would not necessarily eliminate the dependencies, as they may still exist within the larger team or with other teams in the Nexus.

The Nexus framework is a way of scaling Scrum for multiple teams working on a single product. The Nexus framework uses Scrum as its building block and extends it only where necessary to minimize and manage dependencies between teams 11. The Nexus framework defines the accountabilities, events, and artifacts that bind and weave together the work of the teams in a Nexus 11. One of the key artifacts in the Nexus framework is the Integrated Increment, which is the integrated aggregation of all work completed by all the Scrum Teams in a Nexus 112.

When multiple Scrum Teams work on a product at the same time, the statements that are true are:

The different Scrum Teams coordinate their work to deliver a single Increment. This is answer A. This is a valid answer because the different Scrum Teams in a Nexus are not working in isolation, but rather collaborating and coordinating their work to deliver a single Increment 113. The single Increment is the Integrated Increment, which is the sum of all the work done by the Scrum Teams in a Sprint that meets the Definition of Done 112. The single Increment is the potentially releasable outcome of the Sprint, which means it meets the quality standards and expectations of the stakeholders 112.

The Developers must integrate their work before the end of the Sprint. This is answer C. This is a valid answer because the Developers are the people who do the work of delivering a potentially releasable Increment of product value in each Sprint 114. The Developers must integrate their work before the end of the Sprint, which means they must combine and verify their work frequently and continuously throughout the Sprint 114. The integration of the work is essential for ensuring the quality and usability of the product, as well as for validating the assumptions and learning from the feedback 114.

The other three answers are not correct because:

Each Scrum Team develops one or more product components which the Nexus Integration team uses to assemble the Integrated Increment. This is answer B. This is not a valid answer because the Nexus Integration Team is not the one who assembles the Integrated Increment. The Nexus Integration Team is a role that consists of the Scrum Master, the Product Owner, and other members who are responsible for coordinating, coaching, and supervising the integration of the work done by the Scrum Teams in the Nexus 11[5]. The Nexus Integration Team facilitates the integration of the work, but does not do it for the teams 11[5]. The teams are responsible for integrating their own work and delivering a potentially releasable Increment of product value in each Sprint 11[5].

They are all on the same Scrum Team. This is answer D. This is not a valid answer because they are not all on the same Scrum Team. A Scrum Team is a small group of people who are cross-functional and self-organizing, and who deliver a potentially releasable Increment of product value in each Sprint 11[6]. A Scrum Team usually consists of one Scrum Master, one Product Owner, and a few Developers 11[6]. When multiple Scrum Teams work on a product at the same time, they are not on the same Scrum Team, but rather on different Scrum Teams that form a Nexus 11[6]. A Nexus is a group of three to nine Scrum Teams who work on a single product and who share a common Product Backlog, a common Definition of Done, and a common Sprint Goal 11[6].

The Scrum of Scrums assembles the components into an Integrated Increment. This is answer E. This is not a valid answer because the Scrum of Scrums is not a part of the Nexus framework. The Scrum of Scrums is a term that is sometimes used to describe a coordination mechanism for multiple Scrum Teams, where representatives from each team meet regularly to share information and align their work [7][7]. The Scrum of Scrums is not a formal event or role in Scrum or Nexus, and it is not the one who assembles the components into an Integrated Increment [7][7]. The teams are responsible for integrating their own work and delivering a potentially releasable Increment of product value in each Sprint 11[5].

The best remedy for this situation is to ensure that all Scrum Teams understand the Nexus Sprint Goal. The Nexus Sprint Goal is a commitment that describes the purpose that will be achieved by the Nexus during the Sprint. It aligns with the Product Goal and provides coherence and focus for the work of the Scrum Teams. By understanding the Nexus Sprint Goal, the Scrum Teams can see how their work contributes to the product’s progress and value delivery 1234.

The other answers are not effective for this situation because:

A. During Nexus Sprint Planning, have all the teams plan the Sprint together in one room, so they can see what other teams are working on. This answer is not sufficient because it does not address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of a clear and shared purpose for the Sprint. Having all the teams plan the Sprint together may help them coordinate their work and identify dependencies, but it does not necessarily help them understand how their work relates to the product’s progress and value.

C. Ask the Scrum Master to explain to the teams that the Product Owner can choose which features to work on, as she has the final say. This answer is not helpful because it does not foster collaboration and alignment among the Scrum Teams. It also undermines the self-organization and empowerment of the Scrum Teams, and reduces their ownership and accountability for the work. The Product Owner is responsible for managing and ordering the Product Backlog, but the Scrum Teams are responsible for selecting and delivering the work for the Sprint.

D. During Nexus Sprint Planning, ask each Scrum Team to create a Sprint Goal that describes the purpose of the Sprint. This answer is not optimal because it does not ensure that the Scrum Teams have a common objective and direction for the Sprint. Each Scrum Team may have a different Sprint Goal that may or may not align with the Nexus Sprint Goal and the Product Goal. This may lead to confusion, inconsistency, and sub-optimization of the product delivery.

The purpose of the Nexus Sprint Retrospective is to plan ways to increase quality and effectiveness across the whole Nexus 1. It is not to review the feedback from the Sprint Review, which is the purpose of the Nexus Sprint Review 1. It is not to ensure all Scrum Teams are working on the same improvement actions, which is a possible outcome but not the main goal of the event 2. It is not to identify underperforming team members, which is not a constructive or collaborative approach to scaling Scrum 3. The Nexus Sprint Retrospective follows a three-step process: first, representatives from each Scrum Team identify issues that affect multiple teams; second, each Scrum Team conducts its own Sprint Retrospective; and third, representatives from each team meet again to discuss any actions needed based on the shared challenges 145. The Nexus Sprint Retrospective enables continuous improvement across the Nexus by inspecting and adapting the Nexus framework, the integrated work, the processes, the tools, and the interactions among the Scrum Teams 1.

A Nexus is a framework for scaling Scrum that enables multiple Scrum Teams to work on a single product 1. A Nexus has one Product Backlog, which is an ordered list of the work to be done by the Scrum Teams in the Nexus 1. The Product Backlog has a single source of requirements and priorities for the product, and it is managed by the Product Owner, who is accountable for maximizing the value of the product and the work performed and integrated by the Scrum Teams 1. Having one Product Backlog for a Nexus ensures that the Scrum Teams have a common vision, goal, and alignment for the product 23. Therefore, the statement is true.

The Nexus framework is a way of scaling Scrum for multiple teams working on a single product. The Nexus framework uses Scrum as its building block and extends it only where necessary to minimize and manage dependencies between teams 11. The Nexus framework defines the accountabilities, events, and artifacts that bind and weave together the work of the teams in a Nexus 11. One of the key events in the Nexus framework is the Nexus Sprint Planning, which is used to coordinate the activities of all teams in the Nexus for a single Sprint 11.

In Scenario B, the Nexus is developing a complex product with different parts that only certain teams can work on. There are also some highly specialized individuals outside the Nexus that are required for some of the work. In past Sprints, the Nexus encountered challenges dealing with the many dependencies between teams. Dependencies are the relationships between the work items that affect the order, timing, or outcome of the work 22. Dependencies can cause delays, rework, waste, and lower quality 22. Therefore, it is important to identify and resolve dependencies as early and as often as possible 22.

The two strategies that would be most effective in dealing with the dependencies are:

Discover and document dependent work during Cross-Team Refinement of the Product Backlog, so teams are aware of dependencies before Nexus Sprint Planning. This will allow Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This is answer A. This is a valid strategy because Cross-Team Refinement is an activity where representatives from each team in the Nexus meet to decompose and refine the Product Backlog items into smaller pieces of work that can be delivered by a single team or multiple teams 11. By doing this, the teams can discover and document the dependent work that needs to be done by other teams or external parties 11. This will help the teams to be aware of the dependencies before the Nexus Sprint Planning and to prepare for them 11. This will also allow the Nexus Sprint Planning to focus on resolving the dependencies for the upcoming Sprint, rather than spending time on identifying them 11.

During Nexus Sprint Planning, have appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus briefly meet to discuss dependencies for the upcoming Sprint. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning. This is answer C. This is a valid strategy because Nexus Sprint Planning is an event where the Nexus, consisting of the Product Owner and appropriate representatives from each team, meet to plan the Sprint 11. The purpose of Nexus Sprint Planning is to coordinate the activities of all teams in the Nexus for a single Sprint 11. The result of Nexus Sprint Planning is a Nexus Sprint Goal that aligns with the Product Goal and a Nexus Sprint Backlog that contains the work to be done by the teams to achieve the Nexus Sprint Goal 11. During Nexus Sprint Planning, the representatives from each team can briefly meet to discuss the dependencies for the upcoming Sprint and how to resolve them 11. This conversation will help their individual team’s Sprint Planning, where they can create their own team Sprint Goal and team Sprint Backlog that support the Nexus Sprint Goal and the Nexus Sprint Backlog 11.

The other two answers are not correct because:

Have the Nexus Integration Team order the Nexus Sprint Backlog. They should control and resolve the dependencies. This is answer B. This is not a valid strategy because the Nexus Integration Team is not the owner or the controller of the Nexus Sprint Backlog. The Nexus Integration Team is a role that consists of the Scrum Master, the Product Owner, and other members who are responsible for coordinating, coaching, and supervising the integration of the work done by the teams in the Nexus 1[1][5]. The Nexus Integration Team facilitates the Nexus Sprint Planning, but does not order or dictate the Nexus Sprint Backlog 1[1][5]. The Nexus Sprint Backlog is owned and managed by the Nexus, not by the Nexus Integration Team 1[1][5]. The Nexus Integration Team helps the teams to identify and resolve the dependencies, but does not control or impose them 1[1][5].

Gather all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event. Discover, document, and resolve dependencies during this time. This is answer D. This is not a valid strategy because gathering all people in the Nexus into a 48-hour Nexus Sprint Planning event is not feasible, efficient, or effective. The Nexus Sprint Planning is not meant to be a long and exhaustive event that involves all people in the Nexus 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is meant to be a short and focused event that involves only the Product Owner and appropriate representatives from each team in the Nexus 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is not meant to be the only time to discover, document, and resolve dependencies 11. The Nexus Sprint Planning is meant to be the time to coordinate the activities of the teams for the upcoming Sprint and to create a Nexus Sprint Goal and a Nexus Sprint Backlog 11. The discovery, documentation, and resolution of dependencies should be done continuously throughout the Sprint, not only during the Nexus Sprint Planning 11.

The answer is false because not all Scrum Team members are required to attend the Nexus Daily Scrum. According to the Online Nexus Guide1, the Nexus Daily Scrum is an event for appropriate representatives from individual Scrum Teams to inspect the current state of the Integrated Increment and to identify integration issues or newly discovered cross-team dependencies. The appropriate representatives are those who can best collaborate and communicate the progress and impediments of their Scrum Teams, and who can make and influence decisions regarding the integration and delivery of the product. The number and selection of the representatives may vary depending on the context and needs of the Nexus 234. The Nexus Daily Scrum does not replace the Daily Scrum of each Scrum Team, which is still held by all the Developers of the team to plan their work for the day 5.

The Nexus Sprint Retrospective is an event that occurs at the end of the Sprint where the Nexus, which is a group of approximately three to nine Scrum Teams working on the same product, plans ways to increase quality and effectiveness across the whole Nexus 11. The purpose of the Nexus Sprint Retrospective is to inspect and adapt the Nexus framework, the integrated work, the processes, the tools, and the interactions among the Scrum Teams 11. Therefore, statement C is correct.

The Nexus Sprint Retrospective follows a three-step process: first, representatives from each Scrum Team identify issues that affect multiple teams; second, each Scrum Team conducts its own Sprint Retrospective; and third, representatives from each team meet again to discuss any actions needed based on the shared challenges 112233. The Nexus Sprint Retrospective enables bottom-up intelligence to improve how the Scrum Teams in a Nexus are working together, as it allows the teams to share their insights, learn from each other, and collaborate on solutions 44. Therefore, statement A is also correct.

Statement B is incorrect because the Nexus Sprint Retrospective is not a forum for management to see how the Nexus is performing, but rather a time for the Nexus to self-organize and self-improve 1144. Statement D is incorrect because the Nexus Sprint Retrospective is not a single meeting to inspect and adapt how all Scrum Teams work together, but rather a combination of three meetings that involve both individual and collective reflection and action 112233.

The best answers for this question are:

C. Provides input into each Scrum Team’s individual Daily Scrums to help them better plan their days work. This answer is correct because the Nexus Daily Scrum is an event that helps the Scrum Teams in a Nexus to coordinate their work and identify any integration issues or dependencies that may affect their progress toward the Nexus Sprint Goal. The appropriate representatives from each Scrum Team attend the Nexus Daily Scrum and share relevant information and feedback that can help their teams plan their work for the next 24 hours 112233.

E. Is an opportunity to make integration issues transparent. This answer is also correct because the Nexus Daily Scrum is an event that enables the Scrum Teams in a Nexus to inspect the current state of the Integrated Increment and to make any integration issues or newly discovered cross-team dependencies transparent. The Nexus Daily Scrum also provides a forum for the Scrum Teams to collaborate and resolve any integration challenges or impediments that may arise during the Sprint 112244.

The other answers are not correct for the following reasons:

A. Provides a single meeting where all Scrum Teams can update the Sprint Backlog. This answer is not accurate because the Nexus Daily Scrum is not a meeting where all Scrum Teams update the Sprint Backlog, but rather an event where appropriate representatives from each Scrum Team inspect the Integrated Increment and identify integration issues or dependencies. The Sprint Backlog is updated by each Scrum Team during their own Daily Scrum, which is a separate event from the Nexus Daily Scrum 1155.

B. Is the same as a Scrum-of-Scrums. This answer is not true because the Nexus Daily Scrum is not the same as a Scrum-of-Scrums, which is a common practice for coordinating multiple Scrum Teams that is not part of the Scrum framework. The Nexus Daily Scrum is a specific event defined by the Nexus framework, which is a minimal extension of Scrum that enables multiple Scrum Teams to work together on a single product. The Nexus Daily Scrum has a clear purpose, structure, and outcome that differs from a Scrum-of-Scrums 112233.

D. Is only for the Nexus Integration Team to plan their work for the next 24-hours. This answer is not correct because the Nexus Daily Scrum is not only for the Nexus Integration Team, but also for the appropriate representatives from each Scrum Team in the Nexus. The Nexus Integration Team is a special Scrum Team that facilitates the integration and delivery of the work done by the other Scrum Teams, but it does not plan the work for them. The Nexus Daily Scrum is an event that helps all the Scrum Teams in the Nexus to coordinate their work and identify any integration issues or dependencies 1155.

When a Nexus, which is a group of approximately three to nine Scrum Teams working on the same product, faces many dependencies during Nexus Sprint Planning, it can use some techniques to manage them effectively. One technique is to reorganize team members between the teams to eliminate cross-team dependencies. This can be done by forming feature teams or component teams based on the nature of the work and the skills required. By doing so, the Nexus can reduce the need for coordination and integration across teams, and increase the autonomy and ownership of each team 1122. Therefore, statement B is correct.

Another technique is to reorder Product Backlog items to better accommodate dependencies. This can be done by applying dependency management techniques such as dependency mapping, dependency inversion, dependency breaking, and dependency prioritization. By doing so, the Nexus can identify, visualize, resolve, and minimize the dependencies that affect the delivery of the Integrated Increment, which is the combined work of all the Scrum Teams in the Nexus that meets the Nexus Sprint Goal 334455. Therefore, statement D is also correct.

Statement A is incorrect because it implies that the Nexus Integration Team, which is a group of people who are accountable for ensuring the integration and delivery of the Integrated Increment, should do the dependent work ahead of the Sprint for the teams. This would create a bottleneck and a single point of failure, as well as undermine the self-organization and collaboration of the Scrum Teams 1122. Statement C is incorrect because it suggests that the Nexus should extend the Sprint so that the teams can have more time to complete the dependent work. This would violate the Scrum principle of time-boxing, which ensures that the Nexus delivers value frequently and incrementally, and inspects and adapts its process regularly 1122.