Scrum PSPO PSPO-I New Questions

Multiple Scrum Teams working on the same product do not have to have the same Sprint start date. The Scrum Guide does not prescribe any synchronization of Sprints across multiple teams1. However, it is recommended that the teams align their Sprint cadence and duration, and coordinate their dependencies and integration through a shared Product Backlog, a common Definition of Done, and frequent communication2. This way, the teams can deliver a coherent and valuable product Increment every Sprint[3][3].

References:

1: The Scrum Guide, November 2020, p. 9

2: Managing Products with Agility, Scrum.org, accessed on December 16, 2023

[3][3]: Understanding and Applying the Scrum Framework, Scrum.org, accessed on December 16, 2023

When multiple Scrum Teams are working on the same product, they should integrate their Increments every Sprint because:

• It allows them to accurately inspect what is done and what is potentially releasable. By integrating their work frequently, they can ensure that the product is in a usable and valuable state at the end of each Sprint, and that it meets the Definition of Done and the Sprint Goal.
• It enables them to adapt to changes and feedback faster. By integrating their work frequently, they can reduce the complexity and risk of integration, and discover and resolve any issues or dependencies sooner. They can also incorporate any new insights or requirements into their Product Backlog and Sprint Planning.
• It fosters collaboration and alignment among the teams. By integrating their work frequently, they can share their learnings and best practices, and coordinate their efforts towards a common vision and goal. They can also leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of the teams to deliver a better product.

References:

• Scrum Guide 2020, page 10: “When a Product Backlog item or an Increment is described as “Done”, everyone must understand what “Done” means. Although this varies significantly per Scrum Team, members must have a shared understanding of what it means for work to be complete, to ensure transparency.”
• Scrum Guide 2020, page 10: “The moment a Product Backlog item meets the Definition of Done, an Increment is born.”
• Scrum Guide 2020, page 10: “Each Increment is additive to all prior Increments and thoroughly verified, ensuring that all Increments work together.”
• Scrum Guide 2020, page 14: “The purpose of each Sprint is to deliver Increments of potentially releasable functionality that adhere to the Scrum Team’s current Definition of Done.”
• Scrum Guide 2020, page 15: “The Sprint Review is an informal meeting, not a status meeting, and the presentation of the Increment is intended to elicit feedback and foster collaboration.”

The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. The Product Owner is responsible for creating and communicating a vision, ordering the Product Backlog, and ensuring that the best possible job is done to delight customers. The Product Owner does not manage the Developers, but collaborates with them and the Scrum Master to optimize the value delivery. The Product Owner does not ensure that the work meets the commitments to the stakeholders, but rather that the work delivers value to the stakeholders. The Product Owner does not keep stakeholders from distracting the Developers, but rather engages them and manages their expectations.

References:

• Professional Scrum Product Owner™ I Certification
• [The Scrum Guide]
• [The Product Owner]

 The Product Owner must spend enough time with the Developers so that they are confident the Increment will meet the intended value. This is because:

• The Developers are accountable for creating a “Done” Increment in every Sprint. They must ensure that every Product Backlog item they work on meets the Definition of Done before it is considered complete.
• The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. They must inspect the Increment at the end of each Sprint and assess how it delivers value and contributes to the Product Goal.
• The Product Owner and the Developers must collaborate closely throughout the Sprint to ensure that they have a shared understanding of what they are building and why. The Product Owner must provide clarifications, feedback, and guidance to the Developers as needed to help them create a valuable Increment.
• The amount of time that the Product Owner must spend with the Developers may vary depending on the context, complexity, and uncertainty of the product development. However, it should be enough so that both parties are confident that the Increment will meet the intended value.

Other options, such as 40%, as much time as the Developers tell them to be present, or 100%, are not valid answers as they imply a fixed or arbitrary amount of time that does not reflect the actual needs and dynamics of the product development.

References:

• [Scrum Guide], page 7, section “Developers”
• [Scrum Guide], page 6, section “Product Owner”
• [Scrum Guide], page 10, section “Definition of Done”
• [Scrum Guide], page 10, section “Increment”
• [Scrum Guide], page 10, section “Product Goal”