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, only to consistently fail to complete them by the end of the Sprint. This leads to frequent re-planning and carry-over. Which Lean Thinking principle is being neglected?
- AEliminate Waste
- BDeliver Fast
- CDecide as Late as Possible
- DOptimize the Whole
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Eliminate Waste
Consistently overcommitting and failing to complete work leads to re-planning, carry-over, and rework, which are all forms of waste. The principle of 'Eliminate Waste' aims to remove anything that does not add value to the customer.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Deliver Fast is a benefit of Lean, but the issue here is inefficiency and waste, not just speed.
- C. Deciding as Late as Possible is about deferring irreversible decisions, not directly related to overcommitment in Sprint Planning.
- D. Optimize the Whole focuses on the entire value stream, while overcommitment is a specific process inefficiency.
Lean Principle: Eliminate Waste
The principle of eliminating waste focuses on identifying and removing any activity or resource consumption that does not add value to the customer.
- Waste includes partial work, extra processes, waiting, defects, etc.
- Increases efficiency and value delivery.
- Requires continuous observation and improvement.
Memory trick: VDDE: Value, Flow, Pull, Perfection. Plus: Eliminate Waste, Amplify Learning, Decide Late, Deliver Fast, Optimize Whole – 'V-D-D-E' is how Lean grows!