Professional Scrum Master I (PSM I)Scrum FrameworkHard
A Scrum Team is consistently failing to meet its Sprint Goal, often carrying over unfinished work to subsequent Sprints. During the Sprint Retrospective, the Developers identify that their estimates for Product Backlog Items are frequently inaccurate, leading to overcommitment. What is the most effective action for the Scrum Team to take regarding their estimation process?
- AImprove Product Backlog refinement to break down items further and gain more clarity.
- BStop estimating altogether and simply pull as much work as possible into the Sprint.
- CHave the Product Owner provide the estimates for Product Backlog Items.
- DIncrease the buffer time in each Sprint to account for inaccurate estimates.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Improve Product Backlog refinement to break down items further and gain more clarity.
Inaccurate estimates often stem from a lack of clarity, detail, or understanding of the work involved. Product Backlog refinement is the process where the Scrum Team adds detail, estimates, and order to Product Backlog Items. By improving this activity, items become better understood, dependencies are uncovered, and estimates become more accurate, leading to more realistic Sprint commitments.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Stopping estimation removes a valuable tool for forecasting and planning, leading to even less predictability and transparency.
- C. Developers are best positioned to estimate the effort for development work, not the Product Owner, who focuses on value.
- D. Adding buffer time is a temporary workaround that doesn't address the root cause of inaccurate estimates.
Product Backlog Refinement for Estimation
Product Backlog refinement helps the Scrum Team gain a deeper understanding of Product Backlog Items, leading to more accurate estimates and better Sprint Planning.
- Ongoing activity, not an event.
- Collaborative effort between Product Owner and Developers.
- Reduces uncertainty and increases transparency of future work.
Memory trick: Refine to reveal, estimate to excel.