Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesMedium
A Scrum Master observes that during Sprint Planning, the Developers often commit to a large number of Product Backlog items but struggle to complete them by the end of the Sprint. Which Lean Thinking principle is primarily being violated?
- ADeliver Fast
- BEliminate Waste
- CDecide as Late as Possible
- DAmplify Learning
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Eliminate Waste
Committing to more work than can be completed by the Developers leads to partially done work, rework, and potential delays, all of which are forms of waste. The Lean Thinking principle 'Eliminate Waste' focuses on identifying and removing anything that does not add value to the customer.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Deliver Fast is a benefit of Lean, but not a core principle violated by over-commitment.
- C. Decide as Late as Possible is about making irreversible decisions only when necessary, not directly related to over-commitment of work.
- D. Amplify Learning is about continuous improvement through feedback loops, which is not the primary issue here.
Lean Principle: Eliminate Waste
Identify and remove anything that does not add value to the customer or the process.
- Focuses on efficiency and value delivery.
- Includes waste like partially done work, unnecessary features, waiting, and defects.
- Maximizes value with minimal resources.
Memory trick: Don't let undone work pile up, sweep away the waste!