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PSM II Practice Question

Scrum for Distributed Teams: Optimizing Daily Scrums

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Question

A Scrum Team consists of Developers working from globally distributed locations. Organizing the Scrum events requires conferencing tools that are not easily available within the organization. The Developers propose doing a Daily Scrum only on Tuesdays. Which are the most appropriate responses for their Scrum Master? (choose the best two answers)

Answer

  • A. Coach the Developers on why a daily frequency is important as an opportunity to update the Sprint Plan and how it helps the team organize work toward achieving the Sprint Goal.
  • C. Help the Developers understand that lowering the frequency of communication will only increase the feeling of disconnect between the team members.

Explanation

A. Coach the Developers on why a daily frequency is important as an opportunity to update the Sprint Plan and how it helps the team organize work toward achieving the Sprint Goal. This response is correct because the Daily Scrum is a core Scrum event intended to synchronize activities and create a plan for the next 24 hours. Holding it only once a week diminishes its effectiveness in promoting agility and responsiveness. C. Help the Developers understand that lowering the frequency of communication will only increase the feeling of disconnect between the team members. This response is also correct as regular communication fosters collaboration and strengthens team dynamics, especially in a globally distributed environment where members may feel isolated. Reducing the frequency of interaction can lead to misunderstandings and a lack of cohesion, which is detrimental to team performance.

Expert Author

SC

Sarah Chen

Certified Scrum Master & Agile Coach

Sprint ceremonies, team facilitation, impediment removal

Why Other Options Are Wrong
The incorrect options might suggest alternative approaches that do not align with Scrum principles. One common mistake is to underestimate the importance of regular communication in a Scrum Team. By proposing fewer Daily Scrums, the Developers might think they can save time, but this actually hinders transparency and accountability, leading to a disjointed team. This is a misunderstanding of Scrum values and practices. Additionally, any suggestion that implies the Daily Scrum is optional undermines its purpose as a commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation.
Real-World Application
In a real-world Scrum Team with members across different time zones, the Scrum Master emphasized the importance of Daily Scrums. They decided to use video conferencing tools to facilitate these meetings, even if it meant some team members had to adjust their schedules. This commitment to daily communication helped the team stay aligned and quickly address any blockers, leading to improved productivity and morale.
Common Pitfalls
  • Underestimating the importance of the Daily Scrum
  • Failing to use effective communication tools
  • Assuming that less frequent meetings save time
  • Not addressing team members' feelings of disconnect
  • Neglecting to adapt the Scrum process to suit the team's needs

Key Concepts

Daily Scrum Sprint Goal Team Collaboration Transparency Inspection and Adaptation

Scrum Guide Reference

Scrum Guide 2020, Section: The Scrum Events

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