PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineAgile Frameworks/MethodologiesMedium
A project manager is coaching an Agile team that is consistently underestimating the effort required for tasks, leading to Sprints where the team commits to more work than they can finish. This impacts their ability to deliver 'Done' increments. Which agile planning practice should the team focus on improving to address this issue?
- AReducing the length of the Daily Scrum.
- BEliminating the Sprint Retrospective to save time.
- CImproving Product Backlog Refinement and estimation accuracy.
- DFocusing solely on individual task completion.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Improving Product Backlog Refinement and estimation accuracy.
Underestimation and overcommitment often stem from a lack of clarity and accurate sizing of Product Backlog items. Improving Product Backlog Refinement ensures that items are well-understood, clearly defined, and accurately estimated before Sprint Planning, enabling the team to make more realistic commitments.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Reducing Daily Scrum length doesn't address the root cause of poor estimation or overcommitment.
- B. Eliminating the Sprint Retrospective would remove the opportunity for the team to inspect and adapt its processes, hindering improvement.
- D. Focusing solely on individual tasks can lead to a lack of collective responsibility and understanding of the overall Sprint Goal.
Product Backlog Refinement (for Estimation)
The ongoing process of adding detail, estimates, and order to Product Backlog items, which is critical for accurate forecasting and realistic Sprint commitments.
- Collaborative activity involving the Product Owner and Development Team.
- Ensures items are 'ready' for Sprint Planning.
- Improves clarity, reduces ambiguity, and enhances estimation accuracy.
Memory trick: To commit with precision and gain, refine your backlog to avoid the pain.