Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum Theory & PrinciplesEasy
A Scrum Team is working on a new product where the market needs are rapidly evolving, and the exact features required are unclear. The Product Owner frequently changes the order of Product Backlog items based on new market insights. What characteristic of complex work, managed by Scrum, does this scenario best exemplify?
- APredictability
- BUncertainty
- CStability
- DSimplicity
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Uncertainty
The scenario describes a rapidly evolving market and unclear features, which are classic indicators of high uncertainty. Scrum is designed to thrive in environments characterized by complexity and uncertainty, embracing change through iterative and incremental development.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Predictability is the opposite of what's described; the market is unpredictable.
- C. Stability suggests a consistent environment, which is not the case here.
- D. Simplicity implies straightforward and well-understood problems, which is contrary to the scenario.
Complexity: Uncertainty
A state where future outcomes, requirements, or solutions are not clearly known or predictable.
- Common in product development, especially innovative products.
- Scrum's empirical approach (inspect and adapt) is well-suited for uncertainty.
- Requires flexibility and continuous learning.
Memory trick: When the path is hazy, uncertainty is crazy.