PMI CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) Examination Content OutlineAgile Frameworks/MethodologiesMedium
A newly formed Agile team is struggling with frequent interruptions and context switching, as individual team members are often pulled into different projects or asked to perform tasks outside of their current Sprint commitment. This is leading to missed Sprint Goals and decreased productivity. Which Lean principle, if applied effectively, would BEST mitigate this issue?
- AOptimize the Whole.
- BEliminate Waste.
- CDeliver Fast.
- DBuild Quality In.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Eliminate Waste.
Frequent interruptions and context switching are forms of 'waste' in Lean, specifically waste of motion and defects (due to errors from switching). Eliminating this waste would directly improve focus and productivity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Optimizing the whole focuses on systemic improvements across the entire value stream, which is broader than the specific issue of individual interruptions and context switching, though it might encompass it indirectly.
- C. While delivering fast is a goal, this principle doesn't directly address the root cause of interruptions and context switching as a form of waste.
- D. Building quality in focuses on preventing defects, which is important but not the primary issue described (which is lack of focus and interruptions).
Lean Principle: Eliminate Waste
A core Lean principle focused on identifying and removing any activity or resource that does not add value to the customer, thereby improving efficiency and effectiveness.
- Identifies and removes non-value-adding activities.
- Common types of waste (Muda): Overproduction, Waiting, Transport, Over-processing, Inventory, Motion, Defects (TIMWOOD).
- Improves flow and reduces lead time.
Memory trick: Lean means smooth flow: build quality, reduce waste, deliver fast, respect people, optimize the whole, defer commitment.