CompTIA Project+ (PK0-005)Tools and DocumentationMedium
During a project's execution phase, the project manager notices that the actual burndown line on the sprint burndown chart is consistently flattening out and remaining significantly above the ideal burndown line, even as the sprint approaches its end. What does this trend most likely indicate?
- AThe project scope has been significantly reduced.
- BThe team is encountering unexpected obstacles or is behind schedule.
- CNew team members have been added, increasing velocity.
- DThe team is completing work faster than planned.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The team is encountering unexpected obstacles or is behind schedule.
A flattening actual burndown line above the ideal line indicates that the team is not completing work as expected. If this occurs as the sprint nears its end, it strongly suggests the team is behind schedule or facing unforeseen impediments, failing to 'burn down' the remaining work.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reduced scope would cause a sudden drop in the actual line, potentially bringing it closer to or below the ideal line.
- C. Increased velocity from new members would cause the actual line to drop more sharply, indicating faster work completion.
- D. Faster completion would show the actual line below or burning down steeper than the ideal line.
Burndown Chart Interpretation
Analyzing the actual burndown line against the ideal line to understand sprint progress and identify potential issues.
- Actual line below ideal = ahead of schedule.
- Actual line above ideal = behind schedule.
- Flat line = no work completed or not updated.
Memory trick: Burndown chart: if it's not burning down, there's a fire to put out!