Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesHard
A Scrum Team has been working on a complex product for several months. They regularly conduct Sprint Reviews and Sprint Retrospectives, but despite these efforts, the team's velocity has stagnated, and the product quality is not improving. What aspect of Empiricism might be missing or ineffective?
- AThe inspection activities are not leading to effective adaptations.
- BThe team is not transparent enough about impediments.
- CThe Sprint Goal is not being clearly communicated.
- DThe Product Owner is not adequately prioritizing the Product Backlog.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The inspection activities are not leading to effective adaptations.
The scenario states that reviews and retrospectives (inspection events) are happening, but positive change (adaptation) is not. This indicates a breakdown in the adaptation pillar of empiricism, where insights gained from inspection are not translated into effective changes.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. While transparency is crucial, the problem states events are 'regularly conducted', implying inspection is happening, but results aren't changing. The issue is beyond just visibility.
- C. Clear Sprint Goals are important for focus, but the stagnation across velocity and quality suggests a broader issue with the team's ability to learn and improve, not just goal clarity.
- D. Product Owner prioritization is important, but the question points to a systemic issue in improvement despite regular inspection, indicating a failure to adapt.
Empiricism: Adaptation
If any aspects of a process deviate outside acceptable limits, the process or the product being built must be adjusted. An adaptation is made as soon as possible to minimize further deviation.
- Requires the ability to change processes and product.
- Based on insights gained from Inspection.
- Essential for continuous improvement and value delivery.
Memory trick: Inspect, then adapt, or stagnation will last.