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Implementing Scrum methodology is not a mere substitution of traditional project management structure, but it requires a shift in team culture and collaboration style. In this article, we shall explore five key responsibilities for Scrum team members and stakeholders while setting up a new Scrum team.
Every Scrum team member is accountable for creating a cross-functional team that encourages diversity of thought and encourages technological symbiosis. A cross-functional team includes professionals from various domains and specializations – developers, testers, business analysts, designers, etc., which brings a mixed bag of skill sets, knowledge, and perspectives. Further, a new Scrum team becomes highly self-sufficient, enabling them to tackle complex tasks within the team without relying on outside resources.
As indicated in Scrum Guide 2020, a “Done” increment means it is of usable condition and fulfills the definition of done set by the Scrum Team. The creation of the “Definition of Done” (DoD) is a joint responsibility of the whole team that works as a critical measuring tool to determine the completeness of a user story or any other project activity. An example would be specifying that a coding task isn’t done until it’s been code reviewed, passed unit testing, and documented.
Scrum team members should collaboratively create and agree upon team norms, behavioural expectations, and collaboration patterns. This could involve agreeing on the frequency and timing of daily Scrum meetings, setting up ground rules for how disagreements or conflicts will be managed, and establishing patterns for collaboration such as pair programming or mob programming.
Before the implementation begins, it’s crucial to inform and educate key stakeholders about Scrum principles, ideals, and workflows. Anticipating and managing their expectations is critical as uninformed stakeholders, who may cling to traditional project management methodologies, can become roadblocks. The Product Owner, who is part of the Scrum team, has a crucial role in stakeholder engagement and management.
In the Scrum framework, reflections and learning form an integral part of the regular sprint cycle. Every Scrum Team member and stakeholder share responsibility in fostering a culture of continuous improvement. This culture can be encouraged by conducting regular retrospective meetings where team members reflect on the past sprint, what went well, what didn’t, and how to improve in the next sprint.
This list provides a basic starting point for the multiple responsibilities that fall on the shoulders of Scrum Team members and stakeholders when forming a new Scrum Team. Remember, the real success lies in understanding and embracing the underlying philosophy of Scrum – a dedication to iterative progress, self-management, and delivering the highest value. As each new Scrum Team embarks on its journey, they will organically evolve their internal processes and norms based on these fundamental tenets.
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the core responsibilities of all Scrum Team members is to attend daily Scrum meetings, where they communicate about their progress and any issues they may be facing.
Answer: A, C, D
Explanation: Scrum team members are responsible for delivering high-quality product increments, assessing and mitigating risks and collaborating with stakeholders to understand their requirements. Setting the project budget is typically not their responsibility.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Scrum, team members take ownership of their tasks and manage their own work and progress. This fosters a sense of accountability and self-management.
Answer: C. Product Owner
Explanation: The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog, ensuring that it accurately reflects stakeholders’ requirements and priorities.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Scrum, team members self-manage their work. While stakeholders provide feedback and input into requirements, they do not dictate daily tasks.
Answer: A, D
Explanation: Stakeholders often provide the initial product requirements and have a responsibility to engage positively with the team. However, selection of the Scrum Master and training in Scrum are not typically their responsibilities.
Answer: True
Explanation: One of the key roles of a Scrum Master is to help remove obstacles that can hinder the team’s progress, enhancing their ability to deliver successful product increments.
Answer: C. Scrum Master
Explanation: The Scrum Master is responsible for ensuring the adherence to Scrum theory, practices and rules, and for facilitating Scrum events as required.
Answer: A, B, D
Explanation: The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog, engages with the team through Scrum meetings and events, and interfaces with stakeholders, but does not necessarily deliver Scrum training.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Scrum Team is responsible for delivering the product as detailed by the Product Owner in the Product Backlog, meeting agreed-upon quality standards.
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