Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesHard
A Scrum Team is consistently delivering increments that meet the Definition of Done, but the Product Owner frequently rejects them at the Sprint Review because they don't meet evolving market needs. This indicates a failure in which aspect of Empiricism?
- AInspection of the market and Product Backlog
- BTransparency of the Sprint Backlog
- CTransparency of the Definition of Done
- DAdaptation of Development Team practices
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Inspection of the market and Product Backlog
The team is building correctly (meeting DoD), but not building the right thing (not meeting evolving market needs). This suggests that the inspection of the market trends and the subsequent adaptation of the Product Backlog (or lack thereof) is insufficient, leading to misaligned product development.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The Sprint Backlog reflects the work for the Sprint; the issue is higher-level product direction based on market, not the Sprint's internal work visibility.
- C. The Definition of Done is being met, so its transparency isn't the issue.
- D. Development team practices might need adaptation, but the root cause is the disconnection from market needs, which falls under Product Owner's inspection and adaptation of the Product Backlog.
Empiricism: Inspection
Timely checks on the progress toward a Sprint Goal to detect undesirable variances. Inspection should not be a 'gotcha' but a means to adapt.
- Requires diligent monitoring of progress and outcomes.
- Applies to product, process, and market conditions.
- Must lead to adaptation to be effective.
Memory trick: Inspect the market to adapt the product's fate.