ScrumExamHub
PSM I — Practice Question

Mastering Scrum Sprint Burndown Charts for Agile Success

Question

Sprint burndown charts are an efficient tracking tool, because they show:(choose the best answer)

Options

  • A. An estimate of the total work remaining for the Sprint.
  • B. How many Product Backlog items remain.
  • C. How many hours have been worked by each Developer.
  • D. How much effort has gone into a Sprint.

Answer

  • A. An estimate of the total work remaining for the Sprint.
  • A. An estimate of the total work remaining for the Sprint:

Explanation

Sprint burndown charts are a powerful Agile project management tool that help Scrum teams track their daily progress and predict the likelihood of completing their Sprint Goal on time. These visual charts display the total remaining work, enabling the team to collaborate effectively and stay focused on achieving their objectives. By providing a clear, data-driven overview of the project's status, burndown charts empower Scrum teams to make informed decisions, address any potential roadblocks, and ensure the successful delivery of their Sprint commitments.

Download 212 More PSM I Questions

Complete question set with detailed explanations for every answer. Real exam questions organized in PDF format.

$25
Download PDF

Instant download • Clear explanations • Organized format

Show Detailed Analysis
Sprint burndown charts are crucial for tracking progress in Scrum. They provide a visual representation of the total work remaining in a Sprint, helping the Scrum Team and stakeholders understand how much work is left to complete the Sprint goals. Option A is correct because it explicitly captures this essence, allowing teams to adjust their efforts as needed to meet their commitments. In contrast, options B and C, while related to the team's progress, do not directly reflect the total work remaining. Option B focuses on the number of Product Backlog items, which can be misleading, as these items may vary in size and complexity, and do not provide a clear measure of progress. Option C emphasizes individual Developer hours, which distracts from the team-based approach of Scrum. Lastly, option D refers to effort rather than remaining work, which is not as effective for tracking Sprint progress. Overall, the burndown chart empowers teams to be transparent and accountable for their work, ultimately enhancing collaborative efforts toward achieving Sprint objectives.
Why Other Options Are Wrong
Option B is incorrect because simply knowing how many Product Backlog items remain does not provide insight into the actual work effort needed to complete those items. Items can vary significantly in size, making this an unreliable metric for tracking Sprint progress. Option C is misleading as it focuses on individual Developer contributions rather than team performance, which is contrary to the Scrum principle of collective ownership. Option D, while it addresses effort, is less relevant than tracking remaining work since it does not provide a clear indication of whether the team will meet the Sprint goal. By concentrating on total work remaining, teams can better manage their delivery expectations and adapt their strategies accordingly.
Real-World Application
In a Scrum team developing a new software feature, the Sprint burndown chart shows a steady decline in the total work remaining over the two-week Sprint. Midway through the Sprint, the team notices that the burn rate has slowed down, prompting them to reassess their workload during the Daily Scrum. They identify a task that is taking longer than expected and decide to reallocate resources to ensure they meet the Sprint goal. The burndown chart thus serves as an effective tool for real-time progress tracking and decision-making.
Common Pitfalls

Misinterpreting the burndown chart as a measure of individual performance instead of team progress.Focusing on the number of completed tasks rather than the total work remaining.Neglecting to update the burndown chart regularly, leading to inaccurate tracking.

Expert Insights

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section 4.3 - The Sprint Backlog

Expert Author

SC

Sarah Chen

Certified Scrum Master & Agile Coach

Sprint ceremonies, team facilitation, impediment removal

Key Concepts

Sprint Burndown Chart Total Work Remaining Team Accountability Progress Tracking Adaptation and Transparency

More PSM I Questions

PSM I

Defining Done: Key Purposes of the Scrum Definition of Done

Developers select a set of Product Backlog items for a Sprint Backlog with the intent to get the selected items done by the end of the Sprint. Which three phrases best describe the purpose of a Definition of Done?(choose the best three answers)
PSM I

Scrum Master's Guide: Addressing Data Security Concerns

A Developer takes the Scrum Master aside to express his concerns about data security issues. What should the Scrum Master do? (choose the best answer)
PSM I

Resolving Scrum Team Conflicts and Removing Disruptive Members

A new Developer is having continuing conflicts with existing members of the Scrum Team, which is impacting the delivery of the Increment. If necessary, who is responsible for removing the Developer from the Scrum Team? (choose the best answer)