Back to Agile Roles and Responsibilities

Scrum Master

5 minutes 5 Questions

The Scrum Master is a servant-leader who guides, supports, and facilitates the Scrum process in an Agile project. They ensure that the team follows the agreed-upon practices and rules, removing any impediments or distractions that may hinder team progress. The Scrum Master works closely with the Product Owner to protect the team from over-commitment and helps maintain the product backlog. They are also responsible for coaching the team in self-organization, cross-functionality, and adopting agile practices. The Scrum Master ensures that Scrum artifacts are visible and transparent to the team and other stakeholders, fostering effective communication and collaboration among them.

Guide to Scrum Master Role in Agile Project Management

Importance: The Scrum Master is vital within the Agile framework because they facilitate scrum framework by setting up scrum events, aiding in goal setting and removing obstacles that the team may face. They play a crucial role in ensuring the team adheres to scrum theory and practices.

Definition: A Scrum Master is a leader and facilitator of a Scrum team in Agile project management. Their main function is to help the team work together effectively and adhere to the principles of Scrum, promoting self-organization and cross-functionality.

How it Works: The Scrum Master works with each member of the team to guide them through the project. They ensure the Scrum process is being followed, assisting the team in their self-organization and cross-functionality, and removes any obstacles or 'blockers' that may hamper the team's progress. They also safeguards the team from external distractions.

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Scrum Master: It's useful to understand the Scrum Master's role as a 'servant-leader' and facilitator, rather than a traditional project manager. Identify the key responsibilities such as, removing obstacles, protecting the team and enforcing the rules of Scrum. Understand that the Scrum Master works to empower the team to be self-organizing and aim to achieve their commitments.

Test mode:
Start practice test
Agile Project Management - Agile Roles and Responsibilities Example Questions

Test your knowledge of Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3)

Question 1

In a Scrum team facing conflicting priorities among stakeholders, what should the Scrum Master do first?

Correct Answer: Facilitate a discussion with the Product Owner to clarify priorities.

In a Scrum team, when there are conflicting priorities among stakeholders, the first action the Scrum Master should take is to facilitate a discussion with the Product Owner to clarify priorities. This is because the Product Owner is responsible for managing the product backlog, including prioritizing items based on value, making them the best person to negotiate and clarify stakeholder priorities. The other options are incorrect because determining which stakeholder has the highest authority and following their direction undermines the collaborative and prioritized approach encouraged in Scrum. Suggesting a compromise solution that accommodates all stakeholders equally might not always align with the product goals or the highest value, and prioritizing the backlog items solely based on estimated value addition without stakeholder input may neglect important considerations or preferences from the stakeholders. The key in Scrum is collaboration and clarity, and working with the Product Owner to clarify priorities ensures that decisions are made with a full understanding of the product goals and stakeholder needs.

Question 2

You observe that the Daily Scrum meetings are consistently running over the 15-minute timebox and often digress into detailed problem-solving discussions. As a Scrum Master, what is your best course of action?

Correct Answer: Facilitate a discussion with the team on the purpose of the Daily Scrum and techniques to keep it focused and timeboxed

The best course of action is to facilitate a discussion with the team on the purpose of the Daily Scrum and techniques to keep it focused and timeboxed. The Daily Scrum is meant to be a short, time-boxed meeting where the Development Team synchronizes their work and plans for the next 24 hours. If the meetings consistently run over the 15-minute timebox and digress into detailed problem-solving discussions, it indicates that the team may not fully understand the purpose and techniques for conducting an effective Daily Scrum. As a Scrum Master, it is important to coach the team and facilitate a discussion to help them understand the goals of the Daily Scrum and find ways to keep the meeting focused and within the timebox. This may involve discussing techniques such as sticking to the three questions (What did I do yesterday? What will I do today? Are there any impediments?), parking detailed discussions for follow-up meetings, and timekeeping. Allowing the Daily Scrums to continue without addressing the issue or strictly enforcing the timebox without facilitating understanding may not lead to a sustainable solution. Taking over the facilitation yourself does not empower the team to self-manage and improve their process.

Question 3

As a Scrum Master, what should you do when you notice that the Development Team consistently starts each Sprint without a clear understanding of the Sprint Goal?

Correct Answer: Coach the Product Owner on better articulating the Sprint Goal and its importance to the team

The best answer is to coach the Product Owner on better articulating the Sprint Goal and its importance to the team. As a Scrum Master, it is your responsibility to ensure that the Scrum process is followed correctly. The Sprint Goal provides clarity and focus for the Development Team, and it is crucial for them to understand it at the beginning of each Sprint. If the team consistently starts without a clear Sprint Goal, it indicates a problem with how the Product Owner is communicating the goal. By coaching the Product Owner, you can help them improve their ability to articulate the Sprint Goal effectively, which will benefit the entire team. Discussing the issue directly with the Development Team may not address the root cause, accepting the lack of a clear Sprint Goal goes against Scrum principles, and escalating to management should only be done as a last resort if coaching efforts fail.

Software-Agile
Go Premium

Agile Project Management Preparation Package (2024)

  • 606 Superior-grade Agile Project Management practice questions.
  • Accelerated Mastery: Deep dive into critical topics to fast-track your mastery.
  • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed: Full refund with no questions if unsatisfied.
  • Bonus: If you upgrade now you get upgraded access to all courses
  • Risk-Free Decision: Start with a 7-day free trial - get premium features at no cost!
More Scrum Master questions
33 questions (total)
Start 33 question test