PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineAgile Frameworks/MethodologiesHard
A new Agile team is struggling with estimation. They are using story points, but their velocity fluctuates wildly, making future Sprint Planning difficult. The team often finds that tasks they estimated as small turn out to be large due to unforeseen complexity. What is the most likely reason for this inconsistency in their estimations?
- AThey are not conducting daily stand-up meetings effectively.
- BThe Product Owner is not providing enough detail during Sprint Planning.
- CThey are using story points instead of ideal days.
- DThe team lacks a shared understanding of what constitutes a 'story point' and its relative size.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The team lacks a shared understanding of what constitutes a 'story point' and its relative size.
Inconsistent estimation, especially with unforeseen complexity, often stems from a lack of a shared understanding of the relative sizing of story points. Story points are relative measures, and without a common baseline and understanding within the team, estimations will be erratic.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Daily stand-ups are for synchronizing progress, not for establishing a consistent estimation baseline.
- B. While a Product Owner providing insufficient detail can contribute, the question specifically points to the team's internal estimation inconsistency, suggesting a problem with their relative sizing agreement.
- C. Both story points and ideal days can be effective; the choice of unit isn't the root cause of inconsistent relative sizing.
Story Point Calibration
The process by which an Agile team develops a shared understanding and consistent relative sizing for story points, often by comparing new items to previously completed 'reference stories'.
- Essential for consistent and reliable velocity.
- Involves discussing complexity, effort, and risk.
- Often uses techniques like Planning Poker.
Memory trick: For estimation to be sound, a shared understanding must be found, with sizes relative, not profound.