Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesHard
A Product Owner is struggling to prioritize Product Backlog items because stakeholders have conflicting visions for the product, and market research provides ambiguous results. The Scrum Master advises the Product Owner to focus on delivering the highest value items first to gather concrete user feedback. This approach aligns with which principle of Lean Thinking?
- AAmplify learning
- BDecide as late as possible
- CEliminate waste
- DDeliver fast
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Amplify learning
In an ambiguous environment, delivering high-value items first to gather concrete user feedback is a strategy to gain knowledge and reduce uncertainty. This direct focus on generating empirical data to inform future decisions is a core aspect of amplifying learning.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The advice is to decide and act 'now' (deliver highest value) to get feedback, not to delay decision-making further.
- C. While delivering value might eliminate waste by avoiding building the wrong thing, the primary intent here is to gain knowledge.
- D. Delivering fast is a consequence of this approach, but the underlying principle for dealing with ambiguity is learning.
Lean Principle: Amplify Learning
Organizations should continuously learn and adapt. This involves building knowledge through experimentation, feedback loops, and continuous improvement.
- Prioritizes gaining knowledge and understanding.
- Uses feedback to reduce uncertainty.
- Essential in complex and ambiguous environments.
Memory trick: Learn from users to light the uncertain path.